At first, we thought their beautiful love story had ended after 63 years. A young, handsome Air Force officer sees across the crowded room of the officer's club, a tall, lanky, beautiful woman with jet black hair. He couldn't keep his eyes off her as he moved across the floor toward her. Of course, she was surrounded by other officers vying for her attention. This didn't stop our hero, John Locke. He told the others, ''She is with me!", upon which they scattered. The young woman, Sharon Call, was a bit perturbed and started to leave. John said, "Wait, just give me 5 minutes." They then talked into the wee hours of the night, and John was in love at first sight. Sharon took a little bit more time, but not long. And their amazing journey began.

They were married in three months on November 20, 1962. John left for Aviano, Italy soon for a 3-year tour as a Duty Alert Officer. Sharon joined him after the first of the new year.

When his tour was over, they moved to Whitman AFB for 3 years; John as a Missile Launch Officer and Sharon continued to work as an X-Ray Technologist at the local hospital.

The U.S. service continued every 3 years. In 1969, they moved to Vandenberg AFB in California, then to Lubbock, Texas and Montgomery, Alabama where Sharon wanted to try a new profession and became a licensed Real Estate agent.

1980 brought them to Washington D.C. where John worked at the Pentagon with the ROTC Department. Sharon went back to school at George Washington University and in 1982, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a master's in business. In 1983, she went to Georgetown University and graduated Magna cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration and Finance. John was able to complete his education with a Master of Business at George Washington University.

After such a long time away from California, John requested a transfer to Monterey and went to the Foreign Language Institute in 1984. Sharon became a Branch Manager for Wells Fargo Bank in Carmel and then Monterey.

In 1985, John retired with honors from military service as a Lt. Colonel. He loved the military and appreciated all he served with. He continued to study and became a licensed Certified Financial Planner. In 1987, Sharon also was licensed as a CFP and became the Northern California District Manager for Wells Fargo.

John always said, "I was born in Texas, and I am going to die in Texas." In 2020, they moved to Kerrville, Texas. John became a Reverse Mortgage Representative with Trebor Reverse Mortgage. Sharon gladly retired. They loved being back in Texas and enjoyed their life here.

Throughout their many years together, and all the experiences they shared, the common thread was a strong Faith in their Heavenly Father, and the love they shared for each other through good times and difficult physical challenges.
On the morning of March 14, 2026, Sharon passed peacefully at their home in Kerrville. A few hours later, John passed at Methodist Metropolitan Hospital, Altus Hospice. Throughout their many years together, they each mentioned often, they couldn't live without the other.

The 63-year love story continues in the arms of their Lord in heaven. We will miss the laughter, their guidance, kindness and caring, and the wonderful love, support, and friendship.

John Erwin Locke was born Nov. 28,1939 in McKinney, Texas to parents, William Edward Locke and Virgil Cora Rutledge. Sharon Marie Call was born April 13, 1942 in Willmar, Minnesota. She is survived by her sister, Candyce Rutherford of Kerrville, Texas and her husband Glenn Rutherford.

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