William Lawson “Bill” Lockard, 79, of Canton, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2020 at his home. He was born on October 20, 1940 in Beardstown, IL to Lawson W. Lockard and Neva (Snedeker) Lockard. He married Harriett Brillhart on February 23, 1963 in Astoria, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one-half brother, Donald Ring.
He is survived by his wife, Harriett and four children, Tammy Lowdon of Vacaville, CA, Timothy (Jennie) Lockard of Lincoln, IL, Tessa (Dan) Freeman and Teresa (Dan) Sprecher both of Canton, IL; nine grandchildren, Nathan (Shannon) Thompson, Ashley Lowdon, Nick Lowdon, Brendan (Liz) Birch, Justin (Haley) Freeman, Jacob (fiancé Skyler) Freeman, Drew Freeman, Zachary Sprecher, and Olivia Sprecher. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren with the 7th due in October and 8th due in December. He is also survived by one sister, Linda Leib of Astoria.
Bill was born at the Beardstown Hospital in Beardstown, IL. He was raised in Astoria, IL and graduated from Astoria High School in 1958. He then attended MacMurray College and Bradley University. Bill worked for his father at Lock’s Motor Sales, Lock’s Auto Company, and Lock’s Lincoln Mercury. He became the Ford dealer in 1970 as the name was changed to Lock’s Inc. He later sold this business to a friend, Guy Coleman in 1995 and later it was sold to another friend, John Davis. Bill worked for both of these dealers until 2019 when he had to quit on account of his health. Bill was active in civic affairs being Co-Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Co-President of the Friendship Festival Board, and Vice-President of Canton’s Sesquicentennial in 1975. He also served on Ford’s Dealers Advertising Board and The Canton State Bank’s Board of Directors from 1975-1995. When he came to Christ, he desired to be active in church leadership. He became Chairman of finance committee, Chairman of the Deacons and Moderator of the First Baptist Church in Canton. Moving to the Evangelical Free Church of Canton, he served on the finance board, Chairman of the Christian Ed. Board, and served as an Elder. Though works will not save us, the Lord wants us to be active in service. To paraphrase Patrick Henry, “I have given everything I own to my children. There is one more thing I wish I could give them, and that is Christ. Because if they have everything, I gave them and they do not have Christ, they have nothing.”
A private graveside service will be held at White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton, IL and a Memorial Service will be held the Evangelical Free Church at a later date. Cremation rites will be accorded with Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Memorials can be made to the Evangelical Free Church in Canton, IL. To make online condolences you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com
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