Frank Locke

Benjamin Funeral Service - Nowata, Oklahoma - 918-273-2700............................................ Frank A Locke was born November 4, 1940 in Kansas City, KS to James Glen and Virginia Irene Roper Locke. His maternal grandparents, Steve and Sofia Roper migrated to Ellis Island, NY from Croatia in the early 1900's. Frank passed away early March 15, 2017 after a long struggle with many health issues including Transverse Myelitis. Confined to a wheelchair sixteen years, he used it as a vehicle to share his love of Christ and a testimony of his faith. Often saying God had a physical healing for him, it just wasn't manifested yet, this morning that healing became real. As a child he attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and School, where he was baptized and received First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Living next door to the Church, he served Mass almost daily until he was 14 years old. After completing 8 years of grade school at Blessed Sacrament he attended Ward High School, and then Wyandotte High where he graduated. His first job was working with his dad rolling Kansas City Star Newspapers for Mr. Foote. During the construction of a Catholic School next door, he asked for and got the job of cutting and tying the packaging boxes, also gathering the scrap copper wire and iron for various collection agencies during the Second World War. At age 13, he got his own Kansas City Star paper route and worked for Otto Bosie for two years. His next job was a kitchen helper for Jake Browns Cafe. Mr. Brown and the cooks were so impressed with his thorough cleaning that at the end of shift he had his choice of menu items including T-bone steak cooked to order. Graduating from Wyandotte High School in 1958, he joined the United States Air Force. After his enlistment was completed he worked for Western Electric Co of ATT for 15 years. He moved to Oklahoma in 1973 and began a lifelong love of working in the automobile business. His desire was always to sell one more vehicle and win one more trip for his efforts. Even when his health failed and he retired, former customers would seek his advice on where to find just the right vehicle for them. His motto was listen to what they want, hear what they need and can afford and then find a unit that best fits those criteria. He married Ronda N Smith on May 18, 1984 in Nowata where they have made their home. He was a member of Hillside Christian Church from that time. He was an avid participant in Brother Ben's Sunday School Class for many years. For several years he hosted a weekly Bible Study in his home. He is survived by his wife, Ronda Nell. Three chosen children and their spouses: Jenifer and Johnnie Pierce, Jerold and Ginger Smith, Jeff and Cynnamon Smith; grand-children: Julie McDonnell and Mat Berger, Johnna and Jay Warden, Chelsea Smith and Kyle Story, and Krystine Smith. Four great grand- daughters: Johnie Anne and Raynee McDonnell, Clara and Elizabeth Warden and Annabelle June expected in May. One son, Joseph Locke. Brothers Jim, David, Bob; sisters, Theresa and twin sisters Mary and Margaret. He was preceded in death by his parents, Brothers Stephen, Joseph and two infant sisters. A memorial service will be scheduled and held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Benjamin Funeral Service. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com.

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