Carl E. Locke, Sr.

Longtime community leader, Christian, and friend to many, Carl E. Locke, Sr. age 92, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023. Carl passed in the home he built with his wife of 67 years, Frances, by his side. He was born August 24,1931, in Bartow FL to Roy & Thelma Locke, and spent all his life in the Bartow community where he cultivated his business and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings Mildred Nettles, Roy Locke, Jr., Juanita Lowery, and Jeanette Starling. After serving as an Army MP in the Korean War, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor in Combat, Carl lived in Bartow with his beloved Frances, and developed his construction expertise. In the early days, Carl epitomized the Johnny Cash lyrics of “I’ve been everywhere” working jobs literally all across the US and in many foreign countries. Carl was the owner of SEMCO Construction, Inc. a Bartow based company of 48 years. Still family owned, SEMCO provides construction services for many of the commercial, industrial and public works businesses throughout the state of Florida. Remaining always active and involved, Carl ran jobs even into 2023. His continued leadership at SEMCO was felt right up to his last days. He was involved in many civic and charitable groups, and was awarded the Bartow Chamber of Commerce Champions Cup Award in 2012. Friends and family will recall how devoted Carl was to them as well his longtime SEMCO employees and, of course, GOLF! Carl was known to be the ultimate family man and his favorite pastime was watching his sons (and grandchildren) play sports - he never missed a game. He even learned to love attending his granddaughters’ dance and music recitals and school plays. Carl, along with his sons and grandsons, had an annual boys baseball trip to different stadiums. They all looked forward to this special time, which continued for many years. Carl instilled into his children and grandchildren the value of hard work and the value of family. He and Frances had three sons: Carl "Ed" Locke, Jr. & wife Tanya of Winter Haven, Dr. Jeff Locke & wife Christie of Melbourne, and Shane Locke & wife Jessica of Winter Garden. They were also blessed to know eight grandchildren: Adrienne Locke, Hunter Locke (Brittin), Spencer Locke (Michelle), Meredith Wohlgemuth (Luke), Duncan Locke, Cameron Locke, Jordan Locke and Hannah Locke, and five great-grandchildren: IV, John, Annie, Joseph, and Grace. He will be missed profoundly, and his presence will always remain in the many lives he touched. Funeral service will be 11:00 am Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Grace Lutheran Church, 327 Ave C S.E. in Winter Haven, FL. A reception will follow the service from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Idlewood Venue, 150 Idlewood Ave in Bartow, FL. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Bartow Dixie Baseball. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com