“The day my son was born my life changed forever”– Sandra Bullock.
Sgt. Christopher J. Lockett, USMC, of Murphy, passed away Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, 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 second 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.
At his service, pallbearers will be Ryan Kotchenreuther, Garrin Hogsed, T.J. Major, Jerran Johnson, Jose Alvarez and Nathan Alvarez.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chris’ honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Complete funeral arrangements will be announced later this week.
You may send tributes to the Lockett family at www.townson-rose.com.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.