It is with a frail body and a fairly clear mind that I take this opportunity to write my story. I was born on September 5, 1942 in Abilene, TX; the son of Alfred L. Reynolds, an Army Sgt, and Thelma M. Sixton of Dalhart, TX. For a few early years of my life, I lived with my mom and her parents in Dalhart, Then, somewhere about 1944-1945, a young Army Air Corps 1st LT, B-17 pilot, returned from England, met and married my mother. Overnight, I became Alvin Locke, stepson of Victor B. Locke Jr. We eventually relocated to Boise City, OK, where I lived until age 21. Vic was the only father I ever knew, so it was only natural that I assumed his surname. My family nickname was Butch, so from then on, I was known as Butch Locke.
As a young man, I was fascinated by airplanes of all kinds. Every time I could save up the money, it was off to the variety store I would go. This resulted in a lot of plastic models that hung from the ceiling of my bedroom. Later came stick and tissue rubber band powered models that almost never flew. As a teenager I graduated to control line models that only flew in a circle; none of which survived an abrupt meeting with the earth! Ultimately, I moved on to building and flying radio control models. It was a good day if I brought one of those aircraft home in one piece! My other hobbies were camping and fishing, of which I indulged in at every opportunity. My love of flying continued on in later life as I took up flying lessons in full scale aircraft. This resulted in achieving a commercial pilot certificate in single & multi-engine aircraft with instrument rating & gliders. I also maintained a certified flight instructor certificate in these categories for a number of years. I accumulated over 6,000 hours as a pilot in various capacities.
In 1963, I met and began dating a local farm girl, Miss Karen Sue Barnes. We became engaged and later married on May 17, 1964. In the meantime, on October 25, 1963, I enlisted in the Air Force in order to find a better way of life. Ironically, when enlisted, my birth certificate reflected the surname of Reynolds. Therefore, my young wife and I became Al and Karen Reynolds. So what? What’s in a name?
Beginning in May 1964, was our journey through life in the service. We had assignments in Salina, KS, Wichita Falls, TX, Thailand (2 time, unaccompanied), Volk Field, WI, Vietnam (unaccompanied), Barksdale AFB, LA, Luke AFB, AZ, Hickam AFB, HI, and finally, Nellis AFB, NV. My military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal 2, The Air Medal x 6, and a variety of other citations/decorations that encompassed a 24 year military career.
During our life together we became the parents of two fine children; Kevin, Chino Valley, AZ, and Lisa (Darren), Salina, KS. My military career ended on March 1, 1988; upon my retirement from the USAF. I worked a few jobs after retirement until finally relocating to Salina. Why? Because daughter and grandkids lived here and this is where grandma wanted to be!
I have been predeceased by my stepfather and mother, a younger brother and a younger sister. I am survived by my wife of the home, my children, my granddaughter, Ariel Bock, Kansas City, KS/MO, grandson, Nathaniel Bock, Salina, KS, three brothers, Jay, Randy and Mike, all of the Phoenix, AZ area; sister, Vicki (Bill) Francis, Bridgeport, TX; and sister, Pamela (Tom) Overlay, Tempe, AZ. I also leave behind several cousins, nieces and nephews
So now I have reached the twilight of my life, and I will be preparing to make that journey into the next one. I departed this existence on March 21, 2026, at the age of 83. I have specified cremation as my final preparation choice. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026 in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina, Kansas. I will have military honors to be provided by a U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, assisted by the Salina VFW Post 1432 Honor Guard. There will be no formal services; just a simple graveside service attended by family and those friends who wish to attend.