“The day my son was born my life changed forever.” – Sandra Bullock
Sgt. Christopher J. Lockett, USMC, of Murphy, passed away on Monday, January 7 at the too young age of 26.
In some ways, Chris was a walking contradiction. On one hand a big, strong, tough U.S. Marine and former intimidating presence on the football field. But he was also just as comfortable quietly walking arm-in-arm with his mom Lisa, being her escort, simply being her son.
Those who knew him best will miss the infectious smile of a guy who was usually the life of the party, the ever-present sense of humor and his love of good-natured embarrassment; especially when it came to his mom. One of his favorite things to do was show up at her workplace when she was least expecting it, just to get the reaction. Despite being a comedian a lot of the time, Chris was serious when it came to loyalty to his family and friends, and he would have their back without question when they needed him. He was, as his mother aptly put it, “Just one of a kind.”
As a U.S. Marine, Chris earned: the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (2), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; National Defense Service Medal; NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Sea Service Deployment Medal (2); Letter of Appreciation (3); Certificate of Commendation (individual award) and Meritorious Mast. He was a Marine Corps martial arts program instructor (first degree black belt), Marine combat marksmanship rifle expert 2nd award, Water Survival qualified, Avionics Warfare equipment apprentice and Aircrew Survival equipment apprentice.
Born July 17, 1992, Chris is survived by his mother, Lisa Marie Kotchenreuther; father, Jeff Lockett and stepmother Megan Lockett all of Murphy; grandparents David and Karen Cook of Marble; and siblings, Dustin, Tyler, Ashley, Jessica and Ashlee.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm, Friday, January 18, 219 at the First Baptist Church of Murphy. Col. Kevin Jarrard will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Cemetery with military graveside rites being conducted by the United States Marine Corps. Pallbearers will be Ryan Kotchenreuther, Garrin Hogsed, T.J. Major, Jerran Johnson, Jose Alvarez and Nathan Alvarez.
The family will receive friends from 5-9 pm, Thursday, January 17, 2019 at the First Baptist Church of Murphy.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chris’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
