Garland L Lockart

Garland Lloyd Lockart, 91, of Moweaqua, died peacefully, with his family at his side on December 27, 2009, at Decatur Memorial Hospital. He was born October 7, 1918, in Cowden, IL, the son of Lloyd D. and Pearl McMillen Lockart. He was raised and attended school in Cowden, graduating from Cowden Community High School in 1937. Following graduation, he continued his education at the College of Mortuary Science in St. Louis, Missouri. He married Maye Deaton on February 7, 1942, in St. Charles, Missouri. They were blessed to celebrate 63 years of marriage prior to Maye’s death on March 4, 2005.

From 1942 to 1945 Garland served in the United States Navy as a Chief Pharmacist’s Mate aboard the USS Rixey. He spent 30 months in the Pacific Arena and participated in seven major invasions during World War II. He received commendations for his military service and was honorably discharged in 1945. Garland was extremely patriotic and maintained a lifelong dedication to his country. He often expressed a profound gratitude to the men and women who serve in our armed services. He and Maye were fortunate to be able to return to Guam in 1994 to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration of that country’s liberation from Japan. Garland was humbled by the recognition and appreciation that the people of Guam bestowed on the veterans in attendance of that event.

After the war, Garland accepted a position with Dawson and Wikoff Funeral Home in Decatur, IL. He became the General Manger of the firm in 1962, assisting bereaved families in a career spanning fifty years. His devotion in caring for people struggling with the loss of a loved one was his life’s ministry and calling.

In 1971, Garland and Maye moved to Moweaqua where Garland served for 25 years as resident manager of the Moweaqua Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home. He and Maye were active in the community and made many friends through their involvement in the Moweaqua First Christian Church, as well as civic and fraternal organizations. Garland served as member and officer in the Moweaqua Rotary Club, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. When he and Maye traveled, Garland looked for opportunities to attend a Rotary meeting in that country and add to his collection, a hat from each club he visited. He was a Life Member and Past Chaplin of the Moweaqua American Legion Post #370 and a 64 year member of the Decatur VFW Post.

Garland was active in the Illinois Funeral Director’s Association. He held several offices within the organization including serving as its President during the 1990-91 term. He was the recipient of the National Funeral Director’s Association’s Governor for Outstanding Service Award to the Illinois Funeral Director’s Association and was also recognized as a Goodwill Ambassador.

Garland was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; son, Dale; and daughter-in-law, Carla. He is survived by a daughter, Mary (Curt) Radel of Rhinelander, WI; five grandchildren, Kathryn (Matt) Woerner of Cedar Rapids, IA, Steven (Chrissy) Lockart of Lakewood, IL, Sarah (Chad) Rudie of Onalaska, WI, Emily Axvig of Marion, IA and Paul Radel of Fargo, ND; and seven great grandchildren, Sonja and Vanessa Woerner, Braden and Bryce Lockart, and Emma, Cooper, and Finley Rudie.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2009 in the Moweaqua First Christian Church. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, 415 N. Broadway, Shelbyville, IL and one hour before services on Thursday in the church. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday in Mound Cemetery, Cowden, IL with military rites by Moweaqua American Legion Post #370.

Memorials may be made to the building fund of the First Christian Church of Cowden, Moweaqua First Christian Church, Peace Meals of Moweaqua, or the scholarship fund of the Illinois Funeral Director’s Association.