Gerald L. Lockett

Gerald “Jerry” L. Lockett, passed away on September 3, 2023, at the age of 79.  A celebration of his life is being held at the Chapel of the Lake, 11000 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Lake St. Louis, Missouri, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.  

Gerald was born January 27, 1944, in Agadir, Morocco. George Lockett, his dad, was stationed there as a Navy pilot participating in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa in WWII. George met his wife Elise in Casablanca. As the war progressed, George arranged for Elise and 5-month-old Gerald to fly to the United States, where they moved to Missouri.   

After the war, George attended KU medical school and became a doctor.  Gerald was the oldest of five children. When he was just sixteen, George passed away, and Gerald stepped up and played a key role, supporting the family and helping his mother earn a degree and become a high school French teacher. He went to college at Emporia State University, where he met his future wife, Carol Girard. In 1964, they married and moved to the St. Louis area and had three children: Lisa, Kimberly, and Christopher.    

Gerald was the owner of a chemical processing company and later a principal in a firm specializing in business mergers and acquisitions. Other ventures included a custom wood product maker in New Zealand and a US sporting knife company. Gerald held several patents on products and systems developed.  

Gerald was involved in sports and other activities. He played football for several years in college and continued with touch football throughout his 30s. He loved riding motorcycles, hot air ballooning, water skiing, boating, and piloting his airplane for business and pleasure.  He was heavily involved in his kids’ activities, especially football, from little league on.  He was a past president of the USNA Parents Club of St. Louis, MO.   

Gerald was a people person and loved to talk and make new friends.  He also had his own personal way of talking with Christ and is rejoicing with Him now.  

Gerald Lockett is survived by Carol Lockett, his companion of 59 years and business associate, and his children: Lisa Lockett Jackson, Kimberly Jo Ruch, and Christopher Scott Lockett.  Gerald’s grandchildren are Natalie Meyers, Andrew Meyers, Zachary Meyers, Taylor Meyers, Nathaniel Jackson, Lauren Jackson, Nicholas Lockett, Madison Lockett, Jennifer Ruch and Jessica Mitchell. Gerald was proud he had a great-granddaughter, Rosalie Meyers.  Also mourning are Gerald’s siblings: Karen Lockett Hoard, Randall Lockett, Geoffrey Lockett, and Deborah Lockett Lee.  

Gerald will live in our hearts forever.