Dan David Locke

Dan David Locke age 98 passed away quietly at the Sarah Reed Nursing home in Erie on Saturday February 18th, 2023. He was born to the late Louis L. Locke and Stella Beebe Locke on April 19, 1924 in Hornby Pa along with his twin brother Don C. Locke. They were delivered by their father with the light of a lantern while a friend read the doctor book. 

Dan was a resident of Greenfield township, attended the one room schoolhouse in Hornby later going to North East High school where he enjoyed playing basketball. He grew up and helped out on his family's farm in Hornby PA. He then served in the Army/Air Force in WW2 in 1944 -1946 as a Sergeant and was a cook and Chief switchboard operator in the Azores Islands. After the service he went to the Erie Commercial College and took accounting and typing classes.

Dan was employed by Erie Meters, worked a summer at Western Union, Veterans Affairs hospital , substitute bus driver for Greenfield township, Usps delivering mail, General Electric for 10 years and Welch Foods in North East for 34 years doing several different positions including cafeteria manager and vacuum pan operator. He was on the safety committee and in the Teamsters union.

His hobbies were collecting eagles, photos, antiques and compiling family history to start the Locke reunion. He had a green thumb and enjoyed growing plants and flowers.

Later in life he developed a love for bingo. Dan was a volunteer for meals on wheels for 13 years. He also volunteered at the Erie playhouse.

His had a love for the one room schoolhouse in Hornby of which he was a lifetime member of the Hornby School Restoration Society. He held several positions which consisted of Executive Director, Vice President, President and treasurer. He gave tours to visitors of the museum. Dan was elected to the board of directors of the Erie Historical Society in 2004 and was awarded for his contributions to the community with a citation from the House of Representatives in 2001.

Dan was preceded in death by his first wife Alletha Mary Locke of 31 years and second wife Jeanette Bemis Locke of 19 years. He is leaving behind her family. 

Also preceding him in death were his siblings Boyd Locke (Virginia), Don C. Locke (Alice), Ruby Miinte (Louis) and Betty Lou Rudenski (Zigmund).

He is survived by his children Laura Locke Ross (Michael) of Waterford, David L. Locke (Rose) of Lusby MD, Roger D. Locke (Debora) of Erie and Betty J. Locke of Erie.

Along with several nephews and nieces including grandchildren Andrew Locke (Lauren) and their Emilia of Erie, Matthew Locke (Lauren) and their Violet of Jefferson Ohio, Victoria Locke of Virginia, Brandon Locke and James Ross (Mihaela) and their Sophia and James Maverick both of Maryland and Victoria Ross of Harborcreek.

Dan LOVED the Lord! He was a member of the Greenfield Baptist church since 1935 and sang tenor in the choir, a decon for 16 years, helped with Dvbs for 30 years and helped with Easter breakfast hosted by the men of the church for 30 years. He was a cast member of the Journey to Bethlehem for 22 years. He served on the committee to celebrate the 150 year anniversary of the church in 1993.

This great man will truly be missed by all and remembered for his kindness, generosity and wonderful sense of humor.

Friends and family are invited to call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home at 65 South Lake St. NE PA 16428 on Wednesday February 22, 2023 from 2 PM to 4:30 PM. Officiating the service is Pastor Dan Cass. The Service to be held to honor his life will be at 4:30 PM at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at the North East Cemetery NE PA.

Memorials can be made in honor of Dan to the Greenfield Baptist Church 9028 Williams Rd. North East PA 16428 or to the Hornby School Museum 10000 Station Rd. North East PA 16428. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.

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