Kenneth "Ken" L. Lockwood, 64, left his earthly home on June 20, 2023.

He was born June 24, 1958, in DuBois, Penn., to Emery and Mary Lou Slagle Lockwood. He has one brother, Ronald "Ron" Lockwood.

Ken grew up in Brockway, Penn., where he graduated from high school. He was offered a college football scholarship at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., which would lead him to spending the rest of his life in Kansas. Ken was one of the original starting players of the Wichita Flyers, a semi-pro football team.

His employment career included working for a meat packing plant, KGE, and the United States Post Office, where he met his wife of 31 years, Susan Ewertz Lockwood. He resigned from the post office in 1999, which led to a new adventure and passion. He was hired to be an animal and groundskeeper for what is now known as Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Ken and Susan resided on the park grounds for five years while caring for the animals and developing the educational tours for the public. Ken owned a Siberian tiger named Maya.

In 2003, Ken and Susan built their forever home in rural Cheney and established the Eagle Valley Raptor Center. Ken acted as the program director and head rehabilitator for eagles, owls and hawks. Ken also developed educational tours at the site, as well as providing educational presentations with animals at schools, churches, and other public events. Ken was an avid lover of all wildlife and nature.

He possessed a vast knowledge about many animal species and was passionate about sharing this knowledge. He volunteered at the Safari Zoological Park. Ken also loved sports and was a life-long fan of the San Francisco 49ers. Ken was very proud of joining the Catholic Church in September 2022.  He cherished his wife, Susan and his beloved blind dog, Tasha, who was his constant companion until her passing a year ago.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Susan; brother, Ron of Wyoming; children, Kacee and Tyler; and grandchildren.

Memorials may be sent to St. Catholic School, 12917 E. Maple Grove Road, Mt. Hope, KS 67108.

Rosary will be at 10 a.m., Monday, June 26, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ost, with the funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m.