Bruce A. Lockhart, Staff Sergeant, USAF
August 20, 1944 – September 26, 2023

Bruce Alan Lockhart passed from this world into eternal life with His Heavenly Father on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Teaneck, New Jersey on August 20, 1944, along with his twin sister, Linda Anne, to Bernard and Joan Lockhart.

Bruce graduated from Highland Senior High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1963 and in 1965, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and became a jet engine mechanic. In 1968 he volunteered for a tour of duty in South Vietnam and was sent with the 20th Special Operations Squadron, a helicopter unit, to NaTrang Air Base, Vietnam, and also to Udorn Air Base in Thailand. He was honorably discharged as an E-5 staff sergeant in 1969.

He worked for Firestone Tire & Rubber Company for 12 years including managing the Santa Paula store, and for the United States Postal Service in Santa Paula and Ojai for 28 years. Bruce loved serving the Lord and was an active member of LifeWay Baptist Church, Santa Paula. He believed that the most important verse in the Bible was John 14:6: …and Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.”

He was preceded in death by his parents and twin sister. He leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend of 32 years and caregiver, Barbara; sister Jill Cast (Jerry), brother Bill Lockhart (Laura); Brothers-in-law Ken Mehle, Kerry Mehle (Linda), Kevin Mehle (Lou); children: Jeanne and Richard; stepsons Mychal McKeen (Joanna) and Grant McKeen (Sandra); step grandchildren, Nolan and Alani McKeen, Destiny McKeen, and Jasmine and Antonio Reyes; and step great-granddaughter, and the light of “Poppy’s” life, Mariah Cortes; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Bruce loved spending time with family and adored his grandchildren. Our family would like to thank the professional and caring staff at Mission Hospice for the excellent care they provided for Bruce.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:00 at LifeWay Baptist Church, 673 W. Santa Paula St., Santa Paula. Pastor Mike Newman will be officiating.