Leon G. Lockerman, 79

NEWARK - Leon G. Lockerman, of Newark, passed away peacefully in his home Tuesday, March 27, 2007. He was 79.

Leon was born in Delmar on May 23, 1927, son of the late Leroy Talmadge and Nettie (Beardsley) Lockerman.

He graduated from Delmar High School in 1945 and entered the U.S. Army, serving in Germany and Paris during World War II before entering the University of Delaware in 1947, where he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration in 1951.

In 1960, Leon joined Delaware Trust Co., retiring as vice president in trust administration in 1992 and then served as a consultant for two years. For the past nine years, he served as a tax advisor for H&R Block.

Leon was a member of Newark Country Club for 38 years, serving on the board of directors for 22 years as well as holding the offices of president and treasurer. As a member of the Delaware Men's Golf Association, he played in many tournaments. He was active in the Newark Senior Center, a longtime member of the Touchdown Club of the University of Delaware, a lifetime member of Old Union Methodist Church in Townsend and a charter member of Newark Historical Society, as well as a member of the Blue and Gold Club.

He enjoyed golf and bowling, playing duplicate bridge, was a season ticket holder for UD football and basketball games, and he also enjoyed the music of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marion Lockerman of Newark; his daughter, Karen Pepper and her husband Tom of Seaford; a son, Gary Lockerman and his wife Teresa of Millsboro; a son-in-law, Tom Andersen and his wife Christy of Kennett Square, Pa.; his grandchildren Michelle and Beverly Pepper, Anna Lockerman, Ben and Paul Andersen and Roxana MacIntyre; a brother-in-law, Charles Kasowski and his wife Sue. He also leaves behind his nieces, Peggy Moore, Beth Phillips, Janice Sutton and Tamara FitzGerald, and a nephew, Tom Kasowski.

He was preceded in death by two daughters, Leslie Andersen and Diane Lockerman; and two brothers, Robert and Vaughn Lockerman.

A memorial service will be held at Newark United Methodist Church, 69 East Main St., on Friday at 1 p.m.

Burial will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Leon's memory may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, Newark United Methodist Church or Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research, c/o R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 West Main St., Newark, DE 19711.