Keith Alan Lockhart

Keith Alan Lockhart, 70, Indianapolis, slipped the surely bonds of Earth to touch the face of God on May 31, 2022. He was born on July 14, 1951 in Camden, NJ to the late Robert Kennon and Sara ‘Sally’ (Gilbert) Lockhart.

Keith was a 1969 graduate of Lawrence Central High School where he played in the marching band. Keith earned an A.S. from Vincennes University prior to earning his B.S. from Indiana State University. He enlisted in the USAF before transferring to the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Lt. Commander prior to his retirement. During his U.S. Navy career, he served several years on the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk, CVN-63 (the Battle Cat); and piloted P-3 Orion aircraft in Patrol Squadrons 93 (the Executioners) and 24 (the Batmen). The multi-engine P-3 Orion set the stage for his civilian aviation career that started with Republic Airlines and continued (via airline merger) with Northwest Airlines and ended (via airline merger) with Delta Airlines; Keith retired in 2012 as a Captain. The guy had a thing for flying! Keith lived a life of aviation and military enthusiasm.

When he wasn’t working, he could usually be found on the family boat, driving around, or just relaxing or taking a hard-earned afternoon nap. Once he retired, he took the time to enjoy it; his traveling spirit lingered on through his final trip west aboard the California Zephyr. His love of flying carried over to a love of travel and exploration.

Keith maintained a 34 year friendship with Bill W. and also enjoyed learning about WWII. He was a longtime member of Church of the Nativity and a current member of the Shinboukan Dojo where he earned the rank of brown belt. Keith was also a member of NRA and ALPA.

Keith loved his country, his church, his AA community and most importantly, his family. He enjoyed meeting new people and had friends all over the world. Keith’s outgoing personality made him an easy man to like. He enjoyed a good debate, was a proud Mr. Fix-it Man, and a true Parrot Head.

Keith was a devoted husband of 24 years to his wife, Lydia (Moulton) Lockhart; a loving father to his sons, Keith A. Lockhart Jr. and SR Kyle Lockhart. He loved his daughter-in-law, Natasha Brown Lockhart and his precious grandchildren, Berit Brown Lockhart and Gunnar Kennon Lockhart. Keith is also survived by his brother, Robert Kennon Lockhart Jr.; nephews, Robert K Lockhart III and Patric Lockhart; and great niece, Simone Lockhart. He also leaves behind his life-long friends Bob Stum, Joe Hannon (his karate Sensei), Rick Tinkle, Don Sylvester, Diane Chaisson, and his “adopted sister” Sandra Thornburg; along with countless others that were touched by Keith’s outgoing personality.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents; and nephew, Terry Lockhart.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 from 10:30am-12:30pm at Flanner Buchanan – Broad Ripple, with a funeral service immediately following. Keith will be laid to rest with Military Honors in Crown Hill Cemetery.

The family strongly encourages that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; all organizations that Keith passionately supported.

Keith will be remembered many ways by many people, however there are some traits not left to the imagination but confirmed by those closest to him. His son Keith remembers him as a hero, an educator, a historian and a Grandpa.  His son Kyle remembers him as a father, an explorer, and a jokester.  Please contribute your memories to this page so that all can reminisce and learn about Keith.