David Alan Lockwood

David Alan Lockwood, 73, of Little Rock, Arkansas, died peacefully after a fierce and exemplary battle with leukemia. David was preceded in death by his mother and father, Shirley and Saul Lockwood of Hot Springs, AR; his brother and nephew, Lawrence Sr. and Larry Lockwood, and his son, John Kerner. David leaves behind a long legacy of survivors including his loving wife and care partner of 45 years, Rickie Diann Lockwood; daughters Lynai Leonard of Little Rock, Ark., Tracy Powell and husband Russell Powell of Kansas City, Mo., Cara Kerner of Little Rock, Ark., Jennifer Lockwood-Krenson of Fort Myers, Fla., and his youngest daughter and partner in crime, Rebecca Vukmirovic and husband Dusko Vukmirovic of Little Rock, Ark.; his eight grandchildren (The Crumbgrubber Club), Melissa Tetkoskie, Lucy, Jack, Mia, and Quincy Powell, Cash Krenson, and Fox and Kozy Vukmirovic; and great-grandchild, Stephen Tetkoskie. He also leaves beloved extended family in Hot Springs, Ark., and Miami, Fla.. Lastly, he leaves his very best dog friend and confidante, Aristotle (Ari) Lockwood. David lived 1000 years in the 73 calendar years we had with him because he lived life with his whole heart. He was a rare combination of someone who had a genuine love of life and a firm understanding of what was important to him - to love and be loved! David graduated in 1964 from Hot Springs High School and continued his studies at the University of Oklahoma. He graduated from the University of Arkansas and attended the University of Arkansas Law School. David Went on to start his own Business, Telemark Inc. where he installed environmental systems for regional schools and businesses. He retired from Northrop Grumman as a software programmer/designer and project manager in 2012. David enjoyed many hobbies. He was a life-long academic - always learning. People who knew him considered him a Renaissance man. He was a philosopher, a lover of astronomy, a classical music enthusiast (conducting with his hands even on the day he passed), a sailor and captain of his own boat, a friend to all animals (except spiders, which he tried very hard to love), and a protector of turtles. He was a comedian, and his grandchildren would tell you that he would do anything to make them laugh. He also loved to play games, especially Othello, and on the rare occasion that he would lose, his punishment was to call one of his son-in-laws and profess his love for them. Awkward!! David was also able to travel to many places near and far and even made a trip to Africa where he spent time with the local Massai tribe. He was always up for an adventure! He believed in experiences over monetary wealth and valued people and animals above everything else. David's spirit will live on and will be a daily reminder to his friends and family to "BE KIND." Donations can be made in David's memory to CARE: Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals or to the Flora Lockwood Adoption Fund at the Jewish Federation of Arkansas. His burial will be at the Oakland Jewish Cemetery in Little Rock at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 26, followed by a funeral service at Congregation B'nai Israel at 11 a.m. There will be a reception at the Temple following the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.