On May 12, 2026, we lost a brother, father, and beloved family member. Charles Franklin Lockhart was born on February 13, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Paul Michael Lockhart and Bessie Maye Lockhart.

Charles was nicknamed "Shorty" by his family and was also known as "Charlie" by his friends and acquaintances.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Cindy Williams; his brother, Paul Lockhart; and his wife, Cynthia Ann Bodenburg Lockhart, who passed away in 2017.

He is survived by his brother, Larry Lockhart of Texas; his sister, Katherine Grovro of High Ridge, Missouri; his daughters, Stacy Rena Rosa of Springfield, Missouri, and Kelly Lockhart of St. Charles, Missouri; his stepchildren, Eric Bodenburg, Darrel Jack Somers, and Kathleen (Andrew) Pritchett; and two former stepdaughters from a previous marriage, Renee Sesman of Phoenix, Arizona, and Jessica Heindl of Miami, Florida.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Daycia Cameron and Kayla Rosa, and his six great-grandchildren.

Charles also leaves behind family members who were raised together as brothers and sisters, Effie Williams and Elnor Rollins; Carl Spoerio; Ronnie and Donna Knepler; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Charles served in the United States Army from 1970 to 1971. During his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge for the M-16, and the Marksman Qualification Badge for the M-14. He was honorably discharged as a Private First Class (PFC). Following his active-duty service, he served in the Army Reserves from 1971 to 1974 and later entered the National Guard on December 19, 1974, serving until May 1975. His entire military service was spent proudly serving in the Army in one capacity or another.

Charles was a jack of all trades but specialized in concrete finishing, the profession from which he retired.

Charles loved fishing, camping, and the outdoors, where he found peace. His travels took him from his home state of Missouri to Arizona, where he resided for many years before retiring to Temple, Texas, which he called home. He enjoyed country music, a cold beer, and family get-togethers. He could always grab the audience's attention and sometimes be the center of it all, but that was Shorty. He was a treasured part of every family tradition and will always remain a special piece of our hearts.

A Memorial Service will be help on September 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Harris Community Center in Belton, Texas.