William “Bill” Locke

William “Bill” Robert Locke Sr.
October 22, 1964 – April 29, 2026
William “Bill” Robert Locke Sr., 61, of Kimbolton, passed away peacefully at his farm on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
He was born in Akron, on October 22, 1964, to the late Robert Dale Locke and Sonya Lorene Locke (née Burke).
At the age of six, Bill moved with his family to the Johnson Farm near Birds Run after his parents purchased the property. There, he grew up earning pocket money and learning the ways of farming from a generation of seasoned farmers who took the time to answer his many questions and encourage a young boy’s passion for agriculture.
A graduate of Ridgewood High School, Bill spent several years in Akron attending college and the Akron Machining Institute, where he earned his Journeyman Tool & Die certification in 1989. Though he lived away for a time, his heart always remained in Guernsey County.
Bill enjoyed family bonfires, starry skies, and every opportunity to teach children about farming and the land he loved.
In 1992, Bill and his wife, Kelly — a Johnson family descendant — returned from Akron with their young family to the farm of his youth. There, he devoted the remainder of his life to caring for his parents throughout their retirement years, continuing the growth of the family farm, and pursuing his lifelong passions for Polled Hereford cattle and Labrador Retrievers.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Kelly, whom he married on February 14, 1987; his daughter, Jacqueline Locke Carpenter and her husband, Dr. Chad Duane Carpenter; his son, William Robert Locke Jr. and his wife, Dr. Meredith Marie Evans; extended family members Wenda “Jill” Collins, Haley Evans and her family, and McKayla Evans; and many cherished cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by Richard Evans.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to their special neighbors and dear friends, the families of Mark and Wanita (née Maurer) Oliver and Timothy and Diane (née Pippin) Larrison, for their friendship, support, and a lifetime of shared laughter.
In keeping with Bill’s wishes, a private family service was held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, followed by burial at Flat Ridge Cemetery, where he was laid to rest beside his parents and grandparents.
In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, Bill requested that memorial contributions be made to the Coshocton County Animal Shelter through adoption fee sponsorships, as many of his closest companions found lifelong love and a home at the Locke Farm through the shelter. Donations of pet food to local pantries that help children and seniors keep their beloved pets at home are also appreciated.
Bill’s online tribute wall may be viewed and signed at www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com.