Max Edward Locke

With deep sorrow and love, the family of Max Edward Locke announces his passing. Max ended a courageous battle with kidney failure on January 16th, 2024, at the age of 76. He was surrounded by his loved ones in the comfort of their home.

Max was born on November 19, 1947, in Beaver, Oklahoma to Donald L. and Phyllis (Atrim) Locke. Max was the oldest of three children, later welcoming two sisters. He was raised in the small town of Dalhart, TX. As a child he could be found playing outside, drinking out of the water hose, riding his bike, fishing in area ponds and spending time with the neighborhood kids playing Red Rover and Kick the Can. It was in Junior High where Max discovered and excelled in sports. Throughout his journey of education, he enjoyed football, basketball, and track. He had a natural gift for athletics. In 1965-66 Max set the 2A Texas State record for discus, which he held for many years. Max graduated from high school in 1966, married Mary Alice Bennett, and welcomed his son, Brett. Max accepted a Track and Field scholarship and attended Howard County Junior College in Big Spring, Texas. Shortly after college, Max divorced and joined his family in Colorado. He met his second wife, Carolyn Ann Brewer, welcomed his son Brian, and found his passion for driving trucks. Max moved his family to Worland, WY, where they spent many years. He shared his passion and knowledge of trucking with his son, Brian. They spent the majority of the next 25 years “chasing the dream”. Living and working in Worland driving OTR and local, then in the Oilfields near Wamsutter, WY and Tioga, ND. He was a very hard worker!

Max was larger than life, charismatic, generous, and always had a smile. Many will remember him by his gift of gab and sarcasm. Max enjoyed hunting and camping and was an amazing angler. He and his son Brian spent several years competing in the Wyoming Walleye Circuit and were invited to compete in the NWT.

Max was a very proud man. After he retired, he spent his time wandering around with his dog Kate following “the action”. Whether that be at the shop educating and harassing the guys, at the ranch watching the growth and happenings, hunting camp, fishing tournaments… Wherever Brian, Lori and Sawyer were, he was there! Watching his son thrive in life made him proud and feel accomplished.

Max is survived by sons Brett (Wendy) Hines of Washington and Brian (Lori) Locke of Ft. Steele, WY, stepchildren Jeff (Debbie) Fields of Worland, WY and Kendra Hofstetter of Wheatland, WY, sisters Donnell Farnum of Florence, CO and Denise (Barry) Keep of Sheridan, WY, grandchildren Michael, Nathan, Joshua, Ariel, Daniel, Sarah, and Evelyn and Sawyer, Great-granddaughter Fern, and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Phyllis Locke.

Max’s memory will continue to inspire us to embrace each day with courage, to cherish our loved ones, and to find joy in life’s simplest moments. Max loved his Lord Jesus and his faith saw him through.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held this summer. Memorial donations may be made in Max’s name to his favorite charities, to which he avidly supported. St. Jude or Wounded Warrior Project.

Tributes and condolences may be offered via email at tietownranch@gmail.com, or mailed to PO Box 248, Rawlins, WY 82301.