Rodney Benton Locke courageously finished his battle with cancer, returning to his Father in Heaven on Sunday, January 20, 2019, surrounded by his family. Rod was born May 9, 1958 in Provo, Utah to McMillan (Max) Douglas and Verna Robertson Locke. He spent his childhood in Springville, Utah, graduating from Springville High School.
He served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the New England States Mission. He studied mechanics at Utah Valley Trade Tech.
He met his sweetheart on a blind date and they have been best friends ever since. He married Callie Ann Allred on September 5, 1980 in the Manti LDS Temple and they began a wonderful adventure together. Rod and Callie have touched many lives and blessed everyone around them. Their home was filled with laughter and love as they welcomed each of their four precious children. Rod loved his family most of all, and was their greatest supporter. The memories they made together will never be forgotten.
Rod was employed by Johnson Tire and then Christensen Oil for 26 years. He got to know many of the farmers in the area as he delivered fuel to them, building treasured friendships in the process. Rod was known as an honest, loyal man and he was a gentle giant in the lives of all those who knew and loved him.
He loved baseball, enjoyed fishing, gardening, and coached many youth sports teams. He was always available to cheer for his kids in all of their pursuits and he adored being with his grandkids. He served in the Young Men’s program, Elders Quorum, and in a Branch Presidency at the Utah County Jail, for the church. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Rod is survived by his wife, Callie; children, Andrea Ann Locke, Spanish Fork, Jennilee Locke (Brent) Jones, Spanish Fork, Benton Clark (Trisha) Locke, Santaquin, and Jason Rod (Jori) Locke, Spanish Fork; grandchildren, Swayzie, Maklyn, Nash, Averley, Hafen, Brixon, and Henley. He is also survived by his siblings, Linda Roylance, Maxine (Cal) Campbell, Laura Livingston, and Jim (Renae) Locke. He was preceded in death by his parents, McMillan (Max) Douglas and Verna Robertson Locke and his in-laws, Clark Mortenson and Gwenda Hafen Allred.
The family would like to offer special thanks to his friend Todd Christensen, Dr. Brandt Esplin, and the staff at Revere Health in Provo.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Spanish Fork West Stake Center Chapel, 650 West 400 North, Spanish Fork, Utah. Family and friends may visit on Friday evening, January 25, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 S. Main Street, Spanish Fork, and on Saturday morning at the church from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
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