Norman R. Lockard of Glendale, Arizona (83) retired Major USAF fighter pilot was born in Hackettstown, New Jersey. to Samuel R. and Gertrude Lockard. After graduating from high school, he joined the military. He made his last flight on 19 November 2018 at Hospice of the Valley. He served two tours in Vietnam. Norm was shot down on October 2, 1966 and it was his best friend who notified the Jolly Green Giants rescue chopper to have him picked up. Norm was called and flew a mission the very next day. Two weeks later on October 20, 1966 his best friend was shot down in Vietnam and never found. Norman received numerous medals while in the service including the Purple Heart. His call sign was “Midget”. Upon returning from Vietnam, he was transferred to Luke AFB where he was an instructor for German AF pilots in F104’s Starfighters; where he received 2000 hours which was a record for that time. During Norms last flight in the F104, when he approached on his final landing he was surprised to hear his (then girlfriend Nelda) over the radio “Grant” him permission to land instead of his commander. He served a tour in Korea and upon returning he went to Nellis AFB in Nevada, got married and then retired in 1975. While at LAB Norm attended Boot Strap in University of Nebraska and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. After getting out Norm then returned to college at Grand Canyon University where he earned a second Bachelor’s degree but this time in Environmental Science. Norm also worked in Saudi Arabia for a period of time and Nelda joined up with him in Greece for their 5th wedding anniversary. Later he went to Incirlik, Turkey for a year where Nelda and a close friend joined him for period of time. Upon returning to the U.S., he went to work for Western Fasteners and retired again in 1988. After finally retiring for the last time, Norm enjoyed fishing, hunting, the out-doors and traveling with his wife and family. Norm had many hobbies including reloading ammo for his weapons, making model airplanes and model tanks to name a few. Norm and Nelda loved getting together with family and friends playing cards (hand and foot) and domino’s called “Mexican” train. Norm had fond memories of traveling in California with close family friends. Norman had a strong work ethnic, a devoted family man and loved his church.
Norman is survived by his wife, Nelda Key (Coleman) of 44 years; his son Steve Bowersock (Julie), El Mirage, AZ, and their children Jennifer Bowersock, Glendale, AZ, and Tyler (Brooke) Bowersock and great granddaughter Scarlett of Buckeye, AZ; his daughter Stephanie (Kevin) Nilsson, Louisianan and their children Kimber Rene Jones, North Carolina, and Alexander Jones, Colorado.
Step children Robert Coleman, Glendale, AZ, and his children Branden Coleman, Scottsdale, AZ and Danielle Coleman (son Carter), Glendale, AZ; Debra Antoni and her daughter Amber Bree Antoni of Phoenix, AZ; Janis Coleman and son Dwayne Coleman, Phoenix AZ; Sister Joan Wyant and her children Jerry (Tami) and their children Maya and Ethan of Prescott, AZ and Kim Wyant and her children Ashley and Steve and son Agni Avondale, AZ; Step-sister Joan Sickel New Jersey; Niece Donna Faye Moats Knode (Chuck) and family, Texas; Niece Shelley Kaye Moats Davis (Tommy) and family, Texas; Sister-in-law Angela Key, Texas, and her son Alan (Charlene) and their daughter Teigan, North Carolina; and Amy Key Camp (Steve DDS) and family from South Carolina and numerous great friends.
Preceded are his parents, brother and sister-in-law Herbert and Donna Moats Texas, brother-in-law, Dr. Dwayne Key, PHD, Texas and brother-in-law Ray Wyant, AZ.
A memorial service will be held, December 1, 2018 at 11:00am at Love Baptist Church 3030 W. Glendale Ave Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, Norman requested contributions, be given to Love Baptist Church in his memory.
The family would like to thank the staff of Sunview Health and Rehabilitation of Youngtown, Az., for the kindnesses extended to Norman during his stay. Also, thanks to Hospice of the Valley for assistance in his final care. Thanks to the Veterans Administration of Phoenix, who worked with the family so diligently.
Condolences can be left at www.chapelofthechimesmortuary.com
