George W. “Bill” Lockin – Benton, IL

Longtime Benton resident George W. “Bill” Lockin, 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016 after a brief illness. Bill was living in Brentwood, TN at the time of his death.

A native of of Berea, KY, Bill was born on August 28, 1923 to Earl Wyman and Mary Jane Lockin. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Earl Wyman Lockin and is wife of 67 years Elwanda Dalton Lockin.

Bill proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. After serving his country for five years Bill returned to the University of Kentucky to complete his education, graduating with a Master’s degree in Mining Engineering.

Upon graduation, Bill was hired by Inland Steel Coal Company in Wheelwright, KY where he worked for 31 years. In 1966 Inland moved operations to Southern Illinois where Bill held several management positions at the Sesser and McLeansboro mines. He retired in 1982 as the Mine Manager of Inland Steel No. 2 in McLeansboro.

Bill and his wife Wanda enjoyed camping in their Airstream camper and were members of the Wally Byam Airstream Caravan Club in Southern Illinois. He was also an active member of the Lion’s Club International, Methodist Men, Benton Booster Club, Benton American Legion an he was an active amateur radio operator.

An incredible and dedicated husband, father and grandfather, Bill was loved and adored by his children, David William Lockin (wife Jennifer Ryan Lockin), of Lilburn, GA, daughter Karen Lockin Bachus, of Rome, GA, and daughter Jane Lockin Hutson (husband John Hutson), of Brentwood, TN; grandchildren Matthew Lockin (wife Melissa Lockin) of Phoenix, AZ, Jonathan Lockin, of Lilburn, GA, Avery Bachus, of Marietta, GA, Madelyn Hutson, of Providence, RI, and Kathryn Hutson, of Brentwood, TN.

A memorial service will be held at Benton First United Methodist Church, 203 Church St. Benton, IL at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2016. The eulogy will be given by Jim Muir and the service will be officiated by the Rev. Mark Minor. Visitation with the family will be held that morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a military internment at Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Funeral arrangements are through Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.