Karl W. Locke

Karl W. Locke was a lifelong resident of Perry Village and died peacefully at The Lantern of Madison on Oct. 28, 2017. He was born Nov. 27, 1917 in Painesville, OH, and was just one month short of celebrating his 100th birthday. Karl was a proud WWII veteran of the U.S. Army, having been assigned to the 6th Calvary. He saw action in the European Theatre, serving under General George Patton. Karl served from 1941 to 1945. During a leave in Charleston, SC he met his future wife at a USO dance, where she was a volunteer. He married Charlotte Nolte, of Charleston, in 1947. They were married 57 years. After his wartime service, Karl worked as a brakeman for the NY Central Railroad. This sparked his lifelong hobby of model railroading. He was then employed as a sales representative for Sears until retirement. Karls accomplishments and commitments to his community are exemplary. He was an officer for the American Legion Post 697, most recently acting as their Secretary/Treasurer. He was an 85 year member of Perry Christian Church, having served there in various capacities. He was a founding member of the Perry Historical Society and served as a Perry Village Councilman in the 1980s. He enjoyed being an unofficial tank driver when the Perry Fire Dept. was still a volunteer unit. Karl obtained the rank of Captain as a member of the Auxiliary Ohio State Highway Patrol Post 28 in Chardon. Having received many accolades and awards from various organizations and government entities for his steadfast volunteerism, he was also recognized by the Perry High School Alumni Association as a distinguished Hall of Fame Member, inducted in 2008. Survivors include his daughters, Louise (Greg) Burzanko of Mooresville, NC, Linda (Robert) Hazel of North Perry, OH, Diane (Kevin) Laymon of Friendswood, TX; grandchildren, Kate Hazel, Anne (Oliver) Hazel-Curwen, Emily (Anthony) Hazel-Walls, Robert C. (fianc Amanda) Hazel, III, Christopher (Kourtney) Hazel, Jennifer (Rob) Burzanko Medlen, Kristin (James) Laymon Enciso, Daniel Laymon, Kurt Laymon; 15 great grandchildren and extended family Joy (Tom) Brown-Latimer, Tabitha (Mike) Clark, Teagan Cummins. Karl is predeceased by his wife Charlotte; parents Floyd and LaVerne (Spaulding) Locke; siblings Wanda Locke Hockman, Floyd Locke, Jr., and Donald Locke. Karls family extends sincere appreciation for the compassionate care given to him by the Lantern of Madison and The Hospice of the Western Reserve. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Perry Christian Church, 3270 Call Rd., Perry OH 44081 or the Perry Foundation, PO Box 103 Perry OH 44081, of which Karl was a board member. Friends may call 6-8 pm Thursday November 2, 2017 at The Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River St. Madison, OH 44057. Funeral service will be celebrated by Pastor Paul Bomeli, 11 am Friday, November 3, 2017 at Perry Christian Church 3270 Call Rd., Perry, OH 44081. Karls final resting place will be Perry Cemetery. Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com