In Memory of Russell Lockmiller(1932 - 2016)
- Name
- Russell Lockmiller
- Spouse
- Chiyoko Lockmiller
- Children
- Russell, Jr., George
- Birth Date
- October 20, 1932
- Blessing Date
- October 14, 1982
- Ascension Date
- October 3, 2016
Our beloved and dear brother, Russell Lockmiller, of the Tempe Family Church, passed peacefully into the spirit world on Monday, October 3, 2016, after a year long battle with cancer. Russell met our True Parents more than 40 years ago in New York. He has been involved with ICUS and ICF over the years. Russell's great heart together with his thoughtful and mature attitude will be missed by all.
He is survived by his loving wife Chiyoko, his sons from a previous marriage, Russell Jr. and George, and his sister Carlotta.
Let us support Russell's family during this important and special time, and pray for his victorious transition to a glorious new life in the spiritual world.
Following is his biography by Staffan Berg and Jo Ann Crooks, from the Tempe, AZ church community, and information about the Seonghwa ceremony.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ki Hoon Kim
Continental Director
Dr. Michael Balcomb
President
Franklin Russell Lockmiller was born on October 20, 1932, in Monett, Missouri, and finished high school at Chattanooga, Tennessee. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, after which he became an Air Force pilot.
Russell joined the Church in 1974, after meeting a brother who was selling tickets to True Father’s speech in New York. His subsequent missions utilized his astute technical and computer knowledge and were mostly with ICUS (International Conference on Unity of the Sciences) and ICF (International Cultural Foundation).
He was blessed to his wife, Chiyoko, as part of the 6000 Couples’ Blessing in 1982. They moved to Arizona in 1992 and lived in Sedona for several years, eventually moving to Anthem, north of Phoenix. He and Chiyoko were always faithfully arriving early for every Sunday Service and the many other events they supported. It was so cute to see them communicate with each other in broken Japanese/English, and working on how to express their love for each other.
Russell had a keen ear for music and especially loved organs. He personally developed a remarkable true-tone accurate keyboard that he had planned to launch. Russell was always up for a philosophical discussion of the Principle and Unification Thought. His brotherly heart and measured, thoughtful comments will be deeply missed.
Russell leaves behind his loving wife, Chiyoko. He is also survived by his younger sister Carlotta, and two sons from a marriage before joining FFWPU — Russell, Jr., and George.
Seonghwa Ceremony
The Seonghwa ceremony will take place on Monday, October 10, at 2 PM at the Arizona Won Jeon, located in the Green Acres Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257.
Flowers can be sent to Green Acres Cemetery, and condolences are welcome through GreenAcresMortuary.net.
Chiyoko can also be reached at 623-551-7487.
- Time
- 2:00 PM
- Date
- Monday, October 10, 2016
- Location
- Green Acres Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
John Hitchler
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God Bless You Russell and God Bless your family – Life here will miss you and all that you have contributed. With Love from brother to brother
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Lynn Mathers
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Bon Voyage, Russ! Thanks so much for your selfless devotion to others. It was quite an honor to work with you and learn from your technical expertise. Comforting hugs to your grieving family.
Much love,
Lynn Mathers
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Sydelle Enyeart
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Russ was a great brother. He was always cheerful around people. I pray for his ascension and for his wife to feel comforted that he was loved by many brothers and sisters.
IMON, Sydelle V. Enyeart
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Rob Sayre
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I remember Russ from the ICUS conferences and the International Cultural Foundation. He helped move my wife and I into our first apartment in New Jersey. He was always a cheerful, helpful and interesting person to talk to. My prayers for his wife and family.
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Beth Treacy
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Dear Brother Russell, I remember you well from the years we worked together at ICF. It was a great privilege to know you. Prayers and all the love are with you now from so many brothers and sisters. Thank you for all your good and faithful life devoted to our Heavenly Parent and True Parents, and your loving wife and family.
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James Baughman
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Dear Russell. A tribute to a true and loyal friend. I will always be humbled by your dedication to serve and make things the best in all that you had your hands on. I will cherish our time together. We’ll see each other again. Until then, have a safe and blessed journey.
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Andrew Wilson
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I too remember Russ from ICF, then we lost contact. I’m glad to know that he lived a full and rich life in his later years. I pray he will find great happiness in the new world he has just entered.
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Richard Gene Ramras
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Thank you so much for all your kindnesses and friendship over the 43 years since we first met. Living in your Forest Hills home with your family was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. May our Heavenly Parent and True Parents bless you and be with you in your new life in the eternal world! Aju, Russell!!!
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Greg Breland
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Russell, I can never forget your thoroughness at those ICUS conferences we worked on. You had our back on the technical side. You were always a stickler for the details and that really made a difference. All the best in your new life.
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