Don Jack Lockwood

Don Jack Lockwood, 93 of McCurtain, OK, went to see the Lord on February 09, 2022. He was born on May 17, 1928 to Willy and Violet (Lilly) Lockwood in Osage County, Oklahoma. Don was a graduate of Sand Springs High School and later a graduate of Central State University as an Education Major. He worked as a firefighter during college and became a history teacher and coach for a short time in Texas following his graduation. He was an All-State Football player in high school and excelled in college football and known as “Bulldozer”. He excelled in boxing as well. He has shared many stories of his teen years enjoying hunting and door to door selling of squirrels as well as delivering block ice all over Sand Springs and Tulsa. He was united in marriage with his love, Betty Lou Ellis, August 7, 1953 until her death in 1996. During this loving union two sons, Jimmy Don and Ronald Gene were born. Don married Violet Warden in 2001 and enjoyed their union until her death in 2017. They enjoyed their life with children and grandchildren. He joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) after high school and was honored as the longest card caring member in 2019 with over 70 years of membership. He retired as a Master Sergeant after 36 years of Oklahoma Army National Guard including serving in the Army in Okida, Japan during the Korean War. He also represented the Oklahoma National Guard as a Golden Glove Reserve Boxing Champion and Lite Weight Champion. He was a 32nd degree Mason, having been in the first graduating class of the Tulsa Scottish Rite. He served 15 years as Boy Scout Troop Leader of the 112 in Sand Springs. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) and Honor Guard of Post 2976 of Claremore over a span of thirty years. He retired after 32 years to Public Service of Oklahoma as a lineman having been issued to operate the first bucket truck in the state of Oklahoma. Even after retirement he continued to work as a lineman within IBEW until the age of 76. Don was an avid gardener, having been a Master Gardener of OSU Extension of Washington County. He enjoyed family and friends, music, running, birding, astronomy, history, genealogy and more. Don was a very devoted Christian, son, brother, cousin, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and was deeply respected by all that knew him. He is truly a hero to many! Don is survived by his brother, Retired Army Colonel Bill G. Lockwood of New Brockton, Alabama, his sister, Geraldine Lockwood of Sand Springs, OK, son, Ronald Gene Lockwood and wife Rachel of the home, niece (like a daughter) Bonnie Nielsen and husband Palle of Miami, OK. 3-Grandchildren, Duane Lockwood and wife Renetta, Derrick Lockwood and wife Casey, Dustin Lockwood and wife Jeannette. 10 great grandchildren, Alex, Leah, Sayre, Devon, Ti, Jacob, Allie, Trystan, Tia and Dylan and 2 great-great grandchildren, Raelynn and Rylee. Nieces and nephews, Dorothy Johnston, Mike Ellis and wife Beverly, Stacy Lawson and husband Robert, Billie Ellis, Terry Ellis and wife Tracy. Step-daughter, Teresa Stewart and husband Roger of Dewey, OK, Step-sons Sammy McElyea, and Danny McElyea, both of Bartlesville, OK as well as numerous step-grandchildren. Don is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Joshua and Emma Lilley, Franklin David and Rosie (Lowe) Lockwood, his wife, Betty Lou (Ellis), his son Jimmy Don Lockwood, and his wife Violet (Fletcher) Lockwood. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Don’s Honor to your local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter, Boy Scouts of America, Shriners Hospital, or any charitable organization of your choosing. The Celebration of this admirable man will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 15, at Rose Hill Sanctuary, 30782 S. Highway 82, McCurtain with Brother Denver Bowen officiating. Pallbearers include Mike Ellis, Roman Garcia, Wendell Sexton, Ti Lockwood, Larry Boland, Devon Neal. Honorary Pallbearers include Johnny McMahan, Ronnie Burris, Larry Lockwood, Johnny Frank Lockwood, Terry Ellis, Palle Nielsen, Dorothy Johnston, Kenny Pidcock, Bob Gilmore, Troy Clark, Carl Floyd, Donald Rash, Jose' Garcia, Roger Stewart. He will be placed to rest beside his wife Betty and Son, Jimmy Don, at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Oologah, OK at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 16, 2022.

Don Jack Lockwood

May 17, 1928 - February 9, 2022