Richard “Dick” David Locke, 90, of Quincy passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, March 4, 2026.
A graveside service will be held Sunday, March 8 at 1:00 p.m. at Dayburg Cemetery in Butler Township.
Arrangements are being cared for by Eagle Funeral Homes.
Dick, one of eight children, was born to Emmett and Ruth (Abel) Locke in Quincy, MI, December 10, 1935. He grew up on the family farm, one of the youngest in his large family, a prankster, full of fun and adventure. Dick excelled in athletics at QHS. He was selected to All-Conference in football and held the Pole Vault Record for over 20 years. He is listed in the Hall of Fame at QHS. A 1955 graduate of Quincy High School, Dick then entered the Army, serving in 1956-57, stationed in Germany. He was a proud patriot and American throughout his entire life.
After his Army service, Dick met and married his sweetheart, Fran Joan Wilson, in 1962 in Quincy. Together, they raised two children, Sherri and Scott, and led a life grounded in hard work, faith, and devotion to family. They shared 32 blessed years together until her sudden passing in 1994.
Dick was a farmer all his life, owning several farms through the years in Branch County. He was definitely an outdoorsman, as well – hunting, fishing, and hunting mushrooms, in the local area
and on properties he owned in the Upper Peninsula. He loved living off the land. He raised his own beef, vegetables, and fruits, and pressed his own apple cider. He loved outdoor adventure.
Dick wintered in Bonita Springs and Venice, FL for 55 years, where he fished along the Gulf shores, intercoastal waters, and the jetties. He loved playing shuffleboard and card games.
In 2002, Dick found love again when he married Donelda Purcell of Allen. They enjoyed 15 years of happiness together, sharing their families and friends, attending both Donelda’s Allen United
Methodist Church and Dick’s Calvary Baptist Church, until her passing in 2017.
Dick was a Christian man, who loved the Lord, and shared his faith with others. He served the Lord in several local churches through his life. He leaves his family a great legacy – his faith in
Jesus Christ – quietly setting an example for them and for his community. He loved his family and extended family, and they loved him deeply, as well. Dick cared about people, lending a
hand to neighbors whenever needed, and was an empathetic and compassionate man to all. He was a man of honor and of his word. Dick will be greatly missed.
Dick was also preceded in death by his brothers, Dale and Charles; and his sisters Margie and Adaline.
Dick is survived by his daughter, Sherri and husband Bruce Hildenbrand of Quincy; by his son, Scott and wife Jacinda Locke of Quincy; stepchildren Chad (Kerri) Purcell, Krista (Travis) Marshall; grandchildren Justin Losey, Nick (Sara) Losey, Sydney Losey, Kelsie (Craig) Sikorski, Kyle (Kira) Locke, Brady Locke, Ally Marshall; several step grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and his sisters Maybelle, Lois, and Carolyn.
The family appreciates the gracious services of Hospice of Hillsdale County. Donations in Richard Locke’s memory may be made to Hospice of Hillsdale County, 124 S. Howell St., Hillsdale, MI 49242.
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