Howard Estes Locke

Howard Estes Locke, age 99, a Warren County, TN resident and native was born November 24, 1918 and passed away September 23, 2018 in Webb House Retirement Center following a brief illness.He was the owner and operator of Locke’s Five-and-Dime in downtown McMinnville for over 67 years, member of First United Methodist Church and son of the late William W. and Sophia J. Williams Locke, Jr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by first wife, Jo Ruth Mullican Locke; granddaughter, Margaret Ballance; brothers, Morford Locke and Wallace Locke; sister, Faye Payne; and brother-in-law, Otha Payne.He was a World War II veteran of the United States Army Air Corps. He was a pilot from 1941 to 1946 and obtained the rank of Captain. Mr. Locke was a member of the 440th Troop Carrier Group serving in England, France, Italy and North Africa. His most memorable moment was dropping paratroopers on D-Day behind enemy lines. He also had numerous other missions dropping paratroopers and supplies. He received the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and seven Bronze Battle Stars.He helped provide gifts for children at Christmas time for many years. Mr. Locke was a member of the McMinnville Jaycees and other organizations. He was a continuous member of the American Legion and VFW for over 70 years and member and past president of the McMinnville Rotary Club. Mr. Locke was chairman of the McMinnville City Beer Board for many years.He was an avid golfer, still playing well into his 90’s, and a loyal sports fan of the Tennessee Vols and Tennessee Titans.Mr. Locke is survived by wife, Louise Locke of McMinnville; two sons and daughters-in-law, Major Howard E. & Gayle Locke, Jr., Ret. of Tampa, FL and Bill and Brenda Locke of McMinnville; three grandchildren, Amanda Locke of Nashville, TN, Thomas Locke of Knoxville, TN and Collin Ballance and wife Camille of Nashville; special niece, Susan Burrows and husband Mike; niece and nephews, Betty Turner Loeb and husband Jack, Jim Payne, Everett Brock and wife Sally, Jim Brock and Bill Brock and wife Michelle.Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 27, 2018 in High’s Chapel with Bob Case and Tommy Vann to officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. View Cemetery with military grave rites conducted by VFW Post 5064 and American Legion Post 173. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and 12:00 p.m. Thursday until the time of service at High’s.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kids of the Community or Honor Flight of Middle TN.Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.comHigh Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.