LOCKHART, SR., RONALD W., 85 of Stone Harbor, NJ passed away September 7, 2017. He was born in Van Buren, AR to the late William and Reba (formerly Hays) Lockhart. At age 16 he joined the US Marine Corps and did a tour of duty in Korea. Upon his return from Korea, he attended the University of Tulsa, where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering. He worked in Baltimore, MD and Billings, MT in the oil industry. While in Montana, Ron felt a call to the ministry. He returned east to attend Crozer Theological Seminary in Upland, PA. He was first ordained a Baptist and served several churches in that capacity. He eventually made the decision to become Episcopalian and was ordained to the priesthood by his beloved mentor and friend, The Right Reverend Robert L. DeWitt on October 18, 1966. Last October he celebrated fifty years of ordination. Father Ron Lockhart served churches in Chestnut Hill, Springfield, and Media, PA. In recent years, he was assisting priest and choir member at St. Mary’s Church in Stone Harbor, NJ. The last two years of his life he was a volunteer at The Branches in Rio Grande, NJ, an outreach of St. Mary’s Church.
Ron’s interests were many. He earned a pilot’s license and a boat captain’s license. He enjoyed golf and fishing. He was a proficient decoy carver. His carvings grace the homes of many family and friends. By far, his greatest joy was his family. He loved spending time with Leah and Jack and was looking forward to the birth of his new grandson in October. Many lives were touched by Ron Lockhart. He was an intuitive, compassionate counselor. He was a devoted friend. He cared deeply for the marginalized and gave his time and energy to the betterment of their lives. He will be missed by many, but especially by his loving family who will feel the void in their lives, at the same time knowing that he is present with them in spirit. Ron is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandra, son Ron, Jr., daughter-in-law Victoria and grandchildren Leah and Jackson. He was preceded in death by wife Gaynell McDonald Lockhart and sister Billy Jean Lockhart Hopkins. Memorial contributions can be made to The Branches, in care of St. Mary’s Church, 9425 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, NJ 08247. The Branches Outreach Center serves the homeless and marginalized of Rio Grande, NJ.
Memorial Service will September 30, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 9425 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, NJ 08247. Condolences at www.radzieta.com
Ron’s interests were many. He earned a pilot’s license and a boat captain’s license. He enjoyed golf and fishing. He was a proficient decoy carver. His carvings grace the homes of many family and friends. By far, his greatest joy was his family. He loved spending time with Leah and Jack and was looking forward to the birth of his new grandson in October. Many lives were touched by Ron Lockhart. He was an intuitive, compassionate counselor. He was a devoted friend. He cared deeply for the marginalized and gave his time and energy to the betterment of their lives. He will be missed by many, but especially by his loving family who will feel the void in their lives, at the same time knowing that he is present with them in spirit. Ron is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandra, son Ron, Jr., daughter-in-law Victoria and grandchildren Leah and Jackson. He was preceded in death by wife Gaynell McDonald Lockhart and sister Billy Jean Lockhart Hopkins. Memorial contributions can be made to The Branches, in care of St. Mary’s Church, 9425 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, NJ 08247. The Branches Outreach Center serves the homeless and marginalized of Rio Grande, NJ.
Memorial Service will September 30, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 9425 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, NJ 08247. Condolences at www.radzieta.com
End Date: Thu, 12 Oct 2017 03:00:00 -0400
