By Nancy Patrick

I began writing this article on Friday evening, November 1, four days before the 2024 presidential election would occur. During the past few months, I have made myself sick with worry and fear about the state of the world in which we all live.

I watch in trepidation as North Korean soldiers march through Russian streets as they ready to aid Russia in its ongoing war in Ukraine. I see the continuing bombs with retaliatory strikes in the Mideast as Israel and Hamas seem not to care about the loss of human life and deprivation of innocent civilians on either side of the conflict.

I also find myself in a quandary over the economic, ethical, moral, and political divisions within the U.S.  I sometimes wish I hadn’t had the obligation to grow up and understand the responsibilities of adult human beings. In childhood, I didn’t worry about inflation, personal medical rights, or immigration because I trusted the adults around me to know right from wrong. 

I counted on their integrity before I knew the meaning of the word. Now I find myself in the midst of adults who either do not understand integrity or do not see its worth; however, today I found solace in a funeral service that honored a man whose integrity remained intact for 91 years.

What makes some people have lives so rich and full that people of all walks of life become their friends? How do some people face seemingly insurmountable obstacles with grace and dignity? Why do these people embrace life not only with its wonder but also its tragedies? How do they do this?

Dr. Robert Lockhart

I have prayed so many times to understand the differences between people’s temperaments and begged God to grant me the kind of soul that Dr. Robert Lockhart possessed. Dr. Bob, as I called him, passed away October 27, having just reached his 91st birthday October 11. 

Not only did Dr. Bob have the spiritual stamina to maintain his integrity throughout his life, but his loving wife of 67 years, Louise, partnered with him. Their long marriage was filled with many blessings, adventures, and tragedies—kind of like the marriage vows they pledged to each other.

Before becoming a well-respected cardiologist, Dr. Bob served in the U.S. Air Force, based at Dyess. What good fortune for Abilene that the Lockharts liked it so much they decided to make their home here! 

Along the way, the Lockharts had three children—Carole, Tom, and Miriam. As parents know, our children fulfill our desire for family and heritage. Dr. Bob and Louise loved and nurtured their three children. 

But as all parents also know, the greatest grief they can imagine is outliving their children. Tragically, Tom and Miriam died, creating that overwhelming sadness we do not want to imagine.

Fortunately, the Lockhart children all had their own children, blessing Louise and Dr. Bob with seven grandchildren, all young adults now. Three of those grandchildren spoke at his memorial service, revealing their personal experiences with their grandfather. What wonderful stories they shared!

Dr. Bob and Louise took grandparenting seriously. They loved their grandchildren without reservation. The stories from the children showed that each child had a unique relationship with Granddad. They mentioned humorous things about him, revealing his quirky personality and his love for people.

C.V. Blake brought the eulogy. He talked about the scope of Dr. Bob’s interests, and the scope was wide. He served in many capacities at First Baptist Church as a deacon and faithful volunteer at City Light Community Ministries. In addition, he actively participated in community Bible fellowships and the International Rescue Committee.

I loved a story C.V. related about Dr. Bob’s involvement in his men’s prayer group. The men in the group came from all walks of life—ministers, teachers, professors, other doctors, and one man who had served a 25-year prison sentence. Dr. Bob ignored social lines; rather, he looked at people as his spiritual equals.

I am not proposing Dr. Bob Lockhart for sainthood (maybe I should?), but I do want to thank him for being my friend. I want to thank him for smiling, for caring, for the example of faith he set, and for reminding me that all the things that worry me about my world do not impact the fact that God is still in control of His world.

Even realizing that humanity must disappoint God immensely, I can rest assured that God can handle our mess. He has managed the world without my help for a very long time, so whatever happens in this election, in Ukraine, or the Mideast, He can handle that, too. 

C.V. Blake said that he once looked at Dr. Bob and asked, “How long does it take . . . ?” (apparently referring to reaching old age with grace and humility) In response, Dr. Bob said, “It takes a long time.” 

Nancy Patrick is a retired teacher who lives in Abilene and enjoys writing