Obituary of Carlton Lockwood

LOCKWOOD, Carlton Junior "CJ" of Saginaw, Michigan, died on Sunday, December 01, 2013 at the home of his daughter, Sara with his family present. He was 91 years old. Carlton was born in Flint, Michigan on September 19, 1922 to the late Roy and Mildred (Collis) Lockwood. At the age of 14, he met his future wife, Helen Barrie. They were married 6 years later on October 27, 1942. They remained together for 70 plus years until her death in April of this year. Together, they raised five children: Sharon, Barrie, George, Kim, and Sara. He was educated in the Flint Public Schools, graduating from Flint Central High School. He continued his education at Flint Junior College, Bay City Junior College and Delta College. CJ then joined the Michigan Bell Telephone Company as an installer and repair technician; his career was interrupted by World War II, while he served in the United States Air Force as a B-24 pilot. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Captain and continued in the reserves until 1951. He resumed his career with Michigan Bell Telephone and retired in 1982 as the Community Relations Manager for the Bay City-Midland district. As CJ believed in giving back to his community, he remained active in the Bay City Rotary, Shriners, and the Masonic Lodge, rising to 33 Degree Mason, throughout his life until his recent failing health. His grandchildren fondly remember his years of working at the Saginaw Shrine Circus. He was also a member of St. John Episcopal Church in Saginaw. In his spare time, he was an avid golfer and lifetime member of Maple Hill Golf Club. CJ is survived by his children: Sharon (Gerald) Jehnsen, Barrie (Becki) Lockwood, daughter-in-law, Carol Lockwood, Kim (Clint) Lockwood, and Sara (Chris) Oravitz. He is also survived by his grandchildren: David and Dan McCulloch; Lori Nowaczyk, Marci Dehring, and John Lockwood; Kelly Cowieson, Matt Lockwood, Jeff Lockwood, and Jessica Roth; Jacob, Hannah, Olivia, Naomi, and Alex Oravitz. He is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; son, George; parents, Roy and Mildred; and siblings: Maxine, Bob, and Red, as well as Glen and Lyle. The family would like to thank all who cared for CJ these past years, with a special thanks to Faye, Ekko, and Carol, the staff and physicians of Wellspring Hospice, and those at St. Mary's of Michigan, as well as Caretel, Luther Manor, and Edgewood staff. FUNERAL: Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6, 2013 at St. John's Episcopal Church, 123 North Michigan Avenue. The Rev. Daniel Cannon will officiate. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery with military honors conducted under the auspices of the VFW Post #1859. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter (off State) Thursday, December 5, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A Masonic Memorial will take place Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. led by the Masonic Joppa Lodge #315. MEMORIALS: The family would like to encourage donations to Wellspring Hospice, Alzheimer's Association or to St. Mary's of Michigan. Please share your thoughts and memories with CJ's family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.