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Kenneth  Lockamy

Kenneth K. “Kenny” Lockamy

May 16th, 1951 - November 22nd, 2023

Kenny's Obituary

Kenny, 72, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Wednesday morning, November 22, 2023, with Becke (Smith), his wife of 51 years, by his side.

Kenny was born May 16, 1951, in Batesville, Arkansas, to Floyd and Dixie (Hambrick) Lockamy. He grew up with three older brothers and two sisters in Galien, MI, where much of his mischief was learned. In 7th grade, he met his best friend, Jim Westveer, and spent a lifetime creating memories and stories that would shock and entertain anyone who has had the pleasure to hear them. Kenny and Jim had a rare, unbreakable friendship that was admired by all. In 1970, he graduated from Galien High School and began his 45-year career as a highly regarded tool & die man, retiring in 2018. He had many apprentices that he continued to stay in contact with even after retirement. Family always remained at the center of his life. He and Becke had a daughter, Lissa, who has countless great memories and adventures of her fun-filled childhood with “Crazy Kenny” as her dad. He has always been her go-to man; she learned how to change oil, hunt, fish, get muddy, and value the importance of family from him. He maintained the fun and influence, good or bad, when it came to his grandkids, Cole and Anna.

Kenny could do anything; if he couldn’t, he would do it anyway. He was the person to call with car troubles, house problems, if you were stuck in mud or snow, or needed to make sure Santa could visit on Christmas Eve. He would drop everything to help anyone who needed it. He spent many years as a Muckett, camping with their friends, and would spend hours entertaining all the kids with his antics, being a frequent bad influence, of course, which he never outgrew. He was an avid “mud bogger” and built several vehicles, including “the Grem Crusher.” Later in life, he and Becke enjoyed cruising with their cruise buddies every couple of years, and He and Jim would add to the book of stories. He would always make the cruises interesting because you never knew what he had up his sleeve next. All of you who knew him know he was very opinionated and did everything on his terms. He frequently solved disagreements by betting a six-pack of beer. He made sure to stay in constant contact with people by making his weekly visitation rounds.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Barb and Pat, and brother John. He is survived by his wife Becke, daughter Lissa (Jamie) Borders; grandchildren Cole Hollis, Anna (Nick) Bailey, Tyler Borders, Bryce Borders, and his precious baby great-granddaughter Abigail; brothers Gene and Bob; and many nephews and nieces whom he loved dearly.

In keeping with Kenny’s wishes, there will be no funeral. However, the family is holding a Celebration of Life on Sunday, December 3rd, at the Galien American Legion from 1:00-4:00 pm and look forward to hearing many more Kenny stories. In lieu of flowers or donations, we kindly ask that you have a drink in his honor.

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