Eugene "Gene" Charles Lockard, 81, of Bullhead City, AZ, passed away at home on Friday, November 22, 2024.  He was in a valiant battle with cancer but, died of natural causes.  According to legal adoption records, he was born March 5, 1943, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to the late Charles William "Bill" Lockard and Anne Gabriela (Choppa) Lockard.

Gene was unexpectantly preceded in death by his dear wife of 45 years, Melida Regina (Hidalgo) Lockard.

In imitation of his father, U.S. Naval Officer, C.W. Lockard, Gene proudly joined the U.S. Navy and was soon deployed for active duty in the difficult Vietnam War.

Gene had a passion for driving so he chose a long, successful career and retired as a "Teamster" truck driver.  He loved to play games, especially golf.  He also enjoyed traveling and cherished time with family and friends.

Gene had a light-hearted, generous and gentle spirit.  He sincerely professed to his daughter; he was really a 'rough & tough, cream puff'!  He relished acting silly, pulling innocent pranks where possible, and making others laugh.

Gene is survived by his daughter, Tanya Cameron (Brian) Dambold, of New York, and grandchildren, Taylor Ciara Faulkner and Dillon Dambold Faulkner, in addition to three step grandchildren, Evan Dambold, Ryan Dambold and Sierra Dambold.

He is survived by his adopted sister, Susan Anne Lockard (Erick) Digre, of  Pacifica, California and niece, Colleen Digre (Dan) Vega, and nephews, Sean (Sarwat) Digre, Michael (Stefanie) Digre and Scotty Digre.

He is also survived by his birth sisters, Sandra (Sam) Toole, of Ocean Isle Beach, NC and Loraine Gerritz, of Albemarle, NC.

He is preceded in death by his birth parents, and two birth brothers, Brunson Rivenbark and Rodney Rivenbark.  However, his tenacious sister, Sandra, searched for and successfully tracked down all their birth siblings, five in total, and reunited them after 47 years in 1995.

Finding his 4 siblings alive and many of his birth father's and birth mother's families was exciting and he fit right in.   His wife, Melida, and sister, Susan, were also included and warmly 'adopted' into the extended family.

Call him Eugene, Gene, affectionately, I-Gene or Uncle Geno, he didn't mind which, just don't call him late for a meal!

In lieu of flowers, should you wish to make contributions in Gene's name, please consider the following:

DAV:  Disabled American Veterans www.help.dav.org

or

NCHV: National Coalition for Homeless Veterans www.nchv.org

"To live in the hearts left behind is not to die."

~Thomas Campbell