Robert Carl Locke

Robert Carl Locke, 89, of Clifton, passed from this life into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Lake Whitney Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Friday, February 5, 2016 at Clifton Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at Smith Bend-Coon Creek Cemetery.

Robert was born December 6, 1926, in Otto , TX to William Fred and Bertha (Kunze) Locke. He grew up in various German communities in the farming area of Central Texas. In his teen years, he and his friends anxiously awaited the time they could serve their country in the war effort. He and many of his boyhood friends and cousins joined the Army and Robert ended up in the jungles of the Phillippines. Having served in a combat role in WWII became a defining moment in his life. He sailed by troop ship to Japan to participate in the invasion of the Japanese homeland. Upon arrival, Japan had just surrendered as a result of the dropping of atomic bombs.

After the war Robert married Catherine Louise Porterfield on May 29, 1948 in Waco, TX.

Robert retired from Bell Helicopter after enjoying a 32- plus year career in various machine shop and supervisory positions.

Robert was a deacon at Lake Whitney Baptist Church and a member of the VFW in Clifton.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings, Melvin Locke, Milburn Locke, and Betty Ann Locke Lanford; son, Robert Wayne (Bobby) Locke; grandson, Lance Locke.

Survivors include his wife Catherine Porterfield Locke; daughter, Dianne Holland and husband Tom of Dewey, OK; son Gary Locke and wife Terri of Cresson; Daughter-in-law Crystie Locke of Joshua; 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren and a host of loving extended family and friends.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lake Whitney Baptist Church,
642 FM 3118, Clifton, TX 76634, American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children's research Hospital.

Condolences may be made at www.cliftonfh.com