Jesse Edward "Ed" Lockard, aged 99, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025 at his home in Yuma, CO.  A viewing will be held Thursday, March 27th from 6-8p.m at the Bowin Funeral Home in Akron, CO  and services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 28th, at the First Presbyterian Church in Otis.

He was born December 9, 1925, to Jesse & Cora Lockard at home in rural Washington County, Colorado.  On January 24, 1944, he married the love of his life, Elma Arlene VanMatre, in St. Francis, Kansas. Together they raised 4 amazing children.  Throughout their early years, they relocated several times, farming in Colorado, Missouri and Wisconsin.

Ed worked various jobs throughout his life until returning to the family farm outside of Otis, Colorado.  He took great joy in caring for and playing with his cats and watching birds at his feeders & baths.  He was known for his skill with puzzles, completing hundreds of them throughout his life.  Ed looked forward to shaking a round of dice, often winning and occasionally sneaking a little "adjustment" to the dice.  His family will remember him fondly for his storytelling and the laughter he brought to their lives.

Ed is survived by his daughters, Shirley (Floyd) Bethke and Kathleen Elliott; daughter-in-law Rosie Lockard; 11 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 22 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sons Ray and Larry Lockard, son-in-law Donald Elliott, two granddaughters, a great-grandson, a great-granddaughter, and three sisters.

Memorials may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church, 181 Weld, Otis, CO 80743.