Byford E. Lockard

Byford E. Lockard 83, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, March 8, 2014.  He was born July 18, 1930 at Pawnee City.

Byford was married to his sweetheart Loretta for 64 years. They were married on Sept. 10, 1949 at Hiawatha. Loretta passed away Nov. 2, 2013.

Byford and Loretta were blessed with seven children during their marriage. Leland “Butch” Lockard and wife Lynnette, Gregory Lockard and wife Roberta, David Lockard and wife Norma “Jochy” all of Stella; Nancy Lockard Talbert and husband Jon, of Overland Park, KS, Barry Lockard and wife Anne, of Eagle, Rebecca Lockard Sahulka and husband Rick, of Weeping Water, Stephen Jon Lockard, and foster son Pete Ellison and wife Becky, of Lake Worth FL.

Byford’s professional career included manager of the Firestone store in Falls City. Owner/operator of Lockard Grocery in Stella and pastor of the Bible Fellowship Church in Falls City. His passions were Faith, Family, and Nebraska Football.

Byford was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta; son, Stephen; parents, Mr. and Mrs. George “Dewey” Lockard; brothers, James “JD” and George Jr., as well as infant twin  siblings Marion Dean and Martha Nadine Lockard.

Byford is survived by his children, grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, as well as brother Dennis Lockard, of Stella.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2014 at Grace Bible Fellowship Church, one mile east of Stella. Interment will be in Stella Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday at Good Samaritan Nursing Home Chapel in Auburn.

The family requests memorials be made to Outstretched Arms Ministry, P.O. Box 111, Stella, NE 68442.