Robert E. Lockman, Sr.

SHAVERTOWN-Robert E. Lockman Sr., 81 of Shavertown, Pennsylvania, and formerly of Wallingford, Connecticut, departed peacefully to be with the Lord while surrounded by his loving family on Saturday July 13, 2013, after a life well lived. Born at home on the kitchen table, he came into this world on January 6, 1932, in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He graduated from Elmer L. Myers High School in 1949. Shortly thereafter he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. While on leave at his brother Jack’s wedding, he met the love of his life, Kathy. They dated mainly through letters, and Bob sent her an engagement ring. They were married in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and promptly packed up the car and headed cross-country to Ft. Lewis, Washington where they arrived with less than five dollars in their pocket. While in the Army he developed his skills as a Master Draftsmen, and went on to work for companies such as Pratt and Whitney, American Cyanamid, and C.N. Flagg. While raising a family and working multiple jobs Bob was able to complete his degree from the University of Hartford. During his career he played an instrumental role in critical projects such as the engine design for the A4E Skyhawk Fighter/Bomber used heavily during the Vietnam War, and even the design of the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion, home of the famous UConn Huskies. Bob is survived by his wife Kathy/Kate (Kidd) and four sons Robert E. Lockman, Jr. (Shavertown, PA), Kevin Lockman (Shavertown, PA), Timothy Lockman (Wallingford, CT), and Jeffrey Lockman and wife Lisa-Lori Lockman (Walnut Creek, CA); his five grandchildren Travis, Sarah, Steven, Scott, and Christa; his great grandchildren Cassidy, Logan, and Connor. Bob was beloved by everyone who knew him. He was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and mentor to every one of his family and friends. He was an accomplished coach, artist, wood worker, and avid Red Sox fan. He will be forever missed and never forgotten, and his greatness will live on through every life he has touched in his 81 years on this earth. Bob was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Wallingford, CT. He served as a member of the church council, and he also served as the church’s custodian and handyman. More recently, he was a member of the Dallas United Methodist Church. Bob is preceded in death by his father John D. Lockman, Sr., his mother Marjorie Lockman, and his brother John D. Lockman, Jr. (Jack). Family and friends may call Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home, 465 S. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in Dallas United Methodist Church, 4 Parsonage Street, Dallas. Interment will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hanover Township. Anyone attending the services are asked to go directly to the church. The family would be most grateful for any flowers sent, however, in lieu of flowers we recommend a donation be directed to the Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Avenue., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL, 60601-7633, http://www.alz.org. 'He has achieved success that he has lived well, laughed often, and loved much: he has enjoyed the trust of a pure woman, the respect of intelligent men, and the love of children; who has filled the void and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory is a benediction.' -Bessie Stanley, American Poet