Steven Ray Lock, a lifelong mechanic and farmer, passed away unexpectedly on June 6, 2023 at the University of Kansas Health System Hospital in Topeka. Steve was born on October 15, 1952 to Harold and Eunice Lock of Hiawatha. He and his brother, Stan, helped with the family farm while attending Hamlin Public Schools. Steve was an active member of the Hamlin Pied Pipers 4-H Club and was proud of his first-place award at the Kansas State Fair in the trailer-backing competition. Steve graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1970.
Upon graduation, he attended NCKA Vo-Tech in Beloit where he learned diesel mechanics. Steve later received a draft letter and chose to join the Army National Guard where he received honors in field radio mechanics. Upon returning home, he worked for the Case dealership before he opened his own independent tractor repair in 1976. He moved his business, Steve’s Tractor Repair, to town in 1983, retiring in 2019.
Steve met the love of his life, Linda Holeman, on a blind date. They married in 1982 and added three sons to their family: Matthew in 1983, Jared in 1984, and Greg in 1997.
Steve served on the Hiawatha School Board for 16 years and was able to present all three of his sons with their diplomas. He remained a huge supporter of the Brown County 4-H program all throughout his life and enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids in later years. He will be remembered as a man who made a difference in the production agriculture and ag mechanics industry within and around the community. Steve loved a challenging mechanical situation and could adapt and overcome any obstacle.
Steve never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone—sometimes driving his family crazy. With his good sense of humor, he enjoyed teasing others. Steve had a need for speed and loved air shows, drag racing, and tractor pulling. He loved to drive and enjoy the countryside and was the chauffeur to many KSU bowl games.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents and brother Stanley. He is survived by his wife Linda and sons Matthew, Jared (Kristin), Greg (fiancé Kelly), and granddaughter Lainey and grandson Rhett.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Monday, June 12, 2023 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Hiawatha with Father Dan Gardner as celebrant.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 12 noon Sunday where a parish rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM Sunday June 11 at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, followed by visitation at 7:00 PM. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery.
