September 27, 1922 - June 19, 2018
Anyone who knew George loved him and he left a life lasting impression; He had a heart of gold and never hesitated to offer a helping hand, kind word or a hug. He was a kind, thoughtful and humble man. His greatest pleasures in life were his family, especially his beloved wife, Wanda R. Brooks Lockwood, who preceded him in death.
He was born in Cleveland, Ohio September 27, 1922, the first born and only son of Elmer and Elfrieda Lockwood, followed by his sisters, Doris and Roberta. His father was a railroad man, his mother a seamstress. It was a difficult time, especially when the Great Depression started. He enrolled in the CCC’s (Civilian Conservation Corp--a work relief program started in 1933 by Franklin D. Roosevelt) in October of 1939 (stationed there through February 1941). He was sent to Camp Perry Ohio for shots, physicals and uniforms with his final destination Green River, Utah. He worked hard hauling rocks, driving steel through hard rocks with a steel drill and sledge hammer; he also had a variety of other jobs, including making sandwiches for 200 hungry men!
He joined the Army Air Corps (which was a branch of the Air Force) October 8, 1942 and he proudly served his country in WWII. He was stationed in Albuquerque, NM when he met Wanda R. Brooks. He made a bet with his buddies that she would dance him, guess what? He won!! After a whirlwind courtship they married December 19, 1943. While serving in the military he served on Guam as an airplane mechanic. When he was discharged December 7, 1945 he returned to his beloved wife and first daughter Louise where they then moved to Denver, CO.
He had a few jobs (including hanging “venetian blinds”) before finding a job as a mechanic for PIE Transportation, then Denver-Chicago Transportation.
But his life was so much more than that--he was a volunteer with the Thornton Recreation Center when it was a brand new city, he was a volunteer for Methodist Youth Fellowship at the Thornton United Methodist Church. In later years he was a volunteer for a food bank, some of that time traveling 15 miles to help out after moving the Denver.
After retirement he and Wanda bought a fifth wheel and traveled all over the United States, they took six weeks one summer traveling all over Europe. They traveled with numerous friends, relatives.
George was the best example of father. He was the world’s best dad, sometimes letting us wear carpenter’s apron, fully equipped with a small hammer and nails to help him on any of his current home improvement projects around the house, sometimes letting us stand on his feet so we could dance with him. He would come home from work most nights with a surprise in his pocket or his black metal lunch box.
He would put music on at home and grab Wanda and dance around the living room, he would let his 4 daughter’s pile on top of him tickling him, he would let his grandchildren pile all over him. During summer we would all load up the car and go to the mountains camping, and this in an old canvas, floorless tent that he had to dig a trench around the perimeter in case it rained we wouldn’t get wet.
The world’s kindest, most wonderful man and he will be missed tremendously by his family, numerous friends and all who had the luck of meeting him. He is survived by his daughters, Louise (Jack) Nelson; Judy (Bill) Worsham; Sandi (Steve dec'd); Stacy (Mark) Boling. 12 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Doris (Sarge) Sargent; numerous nieces, nephews and an uncountable number of friends.
Words from George to live by “Life is awful short, so be happy and enjoy your loved ones and life in general. Enjoy things as they are and always make the best of whatever you have. God is looking down, and remember he has his reward for all of us. Lastly, and most important, the best way to self-destruction is hate, revenge and turning away from the Lord. I will wait forever for each of you…but don’t rush things."
In lieu of flowers, George has requested donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans, in his name and loving memory.
Celebration of Life will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at Olinger Crown Hill, Pavilion of Reflection with reception to follow. George's cremated remains will be laid to rest with his wife, Wanda, at Fort Logan National Cemetery where his service to his country will be recognized with military honors rendered by the US Army.
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