Michael D. Locke

Mike was born on April 13, 1948, in Paris, Texas, to WA Locke and Dora Tiffee. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose greatest joy was his family.

In 1985, Mike married the love of his life, Cissy, and together they blended their two families into one. They would have celebrated 40 years of marriage this coming August.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Cissy Locke; his children, Jennifer Locke, Karen Locke, Ray Locke, Michele Elliott and husband Matt, and Charla Morris; and his grandchildren, Harley and Richie Rodriguez, Logan and Bobby Brimer, Bailey and Macie Preston, and Presley and Kal Morris. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Bentley, Alice, Lucy, Ember, Heidi, Gage, and Lillian.

He is also survived by his brother WA Locke III and wife Linda; his sister Kathy Guerica; his sister-in-law Judy Crutchfield; his brother-in-laws Mike Howe, Jimmie Carroll and Freddie Carroll and beloved Uncle Jake; and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, WA and Dora Locke, and his sister Becky Howe.

Professionally, Mike was a respected leader in the field of testing, balancing, and commissioning of hospitals and large commercial facilities. In 1984, he founded his own company, Mechtech Inc., building a reputation for excellence, integrity, and technical expertise recognized nationwide. He was deeply involved with the National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB), serving on its Compliance Committee, as a member of its Board of Directors, and as Chairman of the NEBB Certification Board. He also co-authored the NEBB Design Phase Commissioning Handbook, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Yet, Mike’s greatest legacy wasn’t just in the buildings he helped commission or the systems he balanced; it was in the people whose lives he touched. Friends and colleagues from across the country have reached out to share the same heartfelt truth: that Mike was kind, generous, a trusted confidant, and a true friend. He made people feel valued and seen, and he led not by title, but by example.

Mike was the heart of his family. Anyone can be a father, but it takes a special man to be a dad, and Mike was one of those rare men. He loved his children—Ray, Karen, and Jennifer—and embraced Michele and Charla as his own. He was never too busy to listen, help, or offer comfort, always their biggest supporter in good times and a steady voice of reason in hard times. As a Papa, he was proud beyond measure, and his grandchildren were fortunate to be raised with the same love and guidance he gave his children. His loss is deeply felt, but his family finds strength in the countless memories they shared.

As a husband, Mike was utterly devoted to his wife, Cissy. Thoughtful and attentive, he found joy in surprising her with gifts or flowers and in creating special moments, both big and small. They traveled widely together, building memories that became the foundation of nearly four decades of love and companionship. Colorado held a special place in Mike’s heart, where he and Cissy spent treasured time and eventually built a vacation home. His soul found peace on “the mountain,” surrounded by the beauty he loved.

Mike’s love for his family was steadfast and unconditional. He gave of himself without hesitation and showed, through quiet deeds and steadfast presence, what it truly means to be a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

A Celebration of Life for Mike will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75225, with a reception following the service.

“But those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” — Isaiah 40:31