By Ed German (Admin) on Sunday, March 12, 2023 - 07:20 pm:  Edit

Carl Lee Lockett



May 26, 1940 - December 19, 2022

Born May 26, 1940, Colonel Carl Lee Lockett was the fifth of eleven children born to Rev. Tom and Lenora Lockett. He graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School in Abilene, although he attended Booker T. Washington High School in Plainview, Texas for his first three years of High School. He received a Bachelor of Science from Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), a Master of Science from Troy State University, and a Master of Arts from The Navy War College.

He was the commander of PVAMU ROTC Cadet Brigade and was commissioned in the U.S. Army upon graduation. He was President of Epsilon Pi Tau, an Honorary Fraternity, and was President of Baron of Innovation, a Social Club. He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A life member and former President of the Retired Officers Association of the Abilene Chapter. A Life Member and former President of the Kiwanis club of Abilene, and he was a Distinguished Lt. Governor of Kiwanis Division 35.

Carl served in the Republic of Vietnam in 1966-67 and was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for Heroism in Ground Combat. His distinguished career in the U.S. Army lasted for 30-years. In addition to the Bronze Star, he was awarded three Legions of Merit, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendations Medals, and a variety of other medals and awards. As a Military Police Corps Officer, he was especially proud of his Expert Infantry Badge and his Combat Infantry Badge. He commanded six different criminal investigation organizations from detachment to brigade, two of these units were Colonel level commands. He also commanded Bravo Company, 503rd Military Police Battalion and the Military Police School Battalion.

When Carl returned from his tour in Vietnam, he met Patricia Ann Hargrove. She became the love of his life and they were married on December 21, 1968. They have two children Dr. Carlette Patrice and Carl Patrick, retired Major, Texas Army National Guard.

Carl was a dreamer and more importantly he made his dreams come true. He encouraged everyone to work hard and smart for what they dreamed of becoming, by saying, "dreams are great but not self-fulfilling." He would also say, "dreams require action, without action dreams are meaningless."

It was his keen sense of self determination that served him well as he faced and overcame many adversities in his journey through life. We all thank him for his guidance and the things he taught and shared with us. Carl did things his way, but he always followed guidance from the Creator. His way was as close to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as he could possibly make it. He was ordained a deacon at the age of twenty. His study of the bible began when his mother and father conducted family bible study, a practice he continued with his family.

He will be missed but we take comfort in knowing he is at peace with the Lord. We sincerely thank him for sharing his life experiences which greatly benefited all of us. Most importantly he taught us to believe in the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and the strength that could be found in the Christian Faith. He lived a life following the passions of his heart which was led by his faith in Jesus Christ. It was in this lesson that others could find the essence of his class, style, and dignity which made him the Christian Gentleman we all knew and loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and four sisters. Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife Patricia Lockett of Abilene, Texas, daughter Dr. Carlette Patrice Lockett of Dallas, Texas, son Carl Patrick Lockett of Cypress, Texas, brother Allen Lockett, sisters Marjorie Hutchinson and Brienda Lockett-Middelton all of Abilene, Texas, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Burial details are as follows:

Burial with Military Honors, Friday, December 30, 2022, at 2:00pm, at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene, located at 7457 W. Lake Road, Abilene, TX 79601.

Published by Plainview Daily Herald from Dec. 24 to Dec. 25, 2022.

The above information includes details online here at the time of this posting.