John Lockler

John (Buck) Lockler, 63, passed away in Mesquite, Nevada March 1, 2012. While his family is deeply saddened by his passing they are relieved that Buck has been released from the ravages of Cancer.

Buck is survived by his wife Theresa, their tree dogs Penny, Brandy and Tucker and his pal Tommy Kitty, as well as members of Theresa's extended family whom Buck considered to be his true family. Most notably among these family members would be his nephew Josh with whom Buck had a special relationship.

Buck was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma in 1948; spent his formative years in Texas and relocated to Southern California in the seventies. It was in the City of Bellflower, California where Buck met Theresa nearly two decades ago. He courted her, asked for her hand and married her on January 17, 1996. The couple moved to Mesquite nearly ten years ago where they bought a house where Buck spent every free moment of his time making it his palace.

Buck doted on Theresa, always there to lend her a hand at work or around the kitchen. She was the love of his life and this was evident in the very look on his face when she would enter the room, or the way he always seemed so proud to be holding her hand. And for much of their married life one would rarely be seen without the other.

Buck was a man of uncommon generosity, as evidenced by his relationship with his nephew. Here was a young boy in need of help and without ever questioning, Buck opened his door to the young man, took him in and began a journey that would forever change the lives of both of them. In a rare moment of clarity in Bucks waning days he spoke of this love for the boy and how he felt that Josh was the son he never had.

Buck was a lover of animals; and they simply flocked to him. Each of the pets Buck leaves behind were rescued in one fashion or another as Buck would simply not stand by and let a needy animal go without.

Buck had a knack for growing things; he had a bit of a green thumb. And to ensure that his annual vegetable garden would prosper, Buck built a Ramada. Webster's defines Ramada as a place of shelter; a place of protection and a place for growth. Buck's Ramada was all of these things. He built it from scraps; tree branches, twigs and sticks tied together with rope. This Ramada has served its purpose well in the near four years it has been standing. It has withstood some of the fiercest winds mother nature has seen fit to bestow upon the city of Mesquite, and it is a safe bet to assume that Ramada will still be standing long after we are all gone.

He was extremely passionate about food. He was one of the lucky ones who could seemingly eat all he wanted and never gain a pound. And Buck took advantage of this great fortune. He is lovingly remembered for his great appetite.

But his love of food did not end at consumption. Buck was a master of the Bar-B-Que. Few could match his skills with a Brisket or a rack of ribs. But his culinary gifts were not limited to the outdoors. He could hold his own in the kitchen as well. His Collard greens were nothing short of spectacular and his good old southern home cooking will be deeply missed.

There is a void now where there once was a vibrant personality and it will take some time to get used to not seeing his magnanimous smile. It will take some time to accept his absence. It will take some time to heal. But that day will come...it will come.

So, Buck, save us all a seat at the Big Table and carve us all up a nice slice of that Brisket.

Bye Brother Man.