Ralph D. Lockard, 83

June 28, 2016

Ralph D. Lockard, 83, of Strasburg, passed away, Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community with his loving family by his side. Born in Columbia, he was the son of the late Joseph C. and Isabel (Keller) Lockard. Ralph was the loving husband of Betty J. (Koch) Lockard for 59 years.

A 1951 graduate of Columbia High School, Ralph worked as a tester for Bendix Corporation for 18 years and then for ISC and Sechan Electronics, Inc.

Ralph loved family time and his grandchildren. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and a former member of Strasburg Lions Club. He enjoyed trains and was a member and volunteer for Friends of the Rail Road Museum of PA, and was named volunteer of the year in 2008. He was a NASCAR fan, especially of Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

Ralph enjoyed history and was very proud that his great-grandfather John Lockard was involved in burning the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge during the Civil War to stop the Confederate advance.

Surviving in addition to his wife Betty are their three children: Michael S. Lockard of Strasburg, Barbara D., wife of John W. Gaunt of Greenwood, DE, and Douglas A. Lockard, husband of Janet C. of Huntingdon Valley, PA; and their four grandchildren: Richard and Abigail Gaunt and Wesley and Celeste Lockard.

A viewing will take place from 11 am to 12 pm, followed by the funeral at 12 pm, with the Rev. David R. Alderson officiating, on Saturday, July 2, 2016, at Wesley United Methodist Church. Interment in Strasburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a memorial contribution in Ralph’s name to the Friends of the Railroad Museum of PA, P.O. Box 125, Strasburg, PA 17579 or to Wesley United Methodist Church, 40 W. Main St., Strasburg, PA 17579.