Okie Locken
Posted By thecircusblog on December 26, 2009
. .In the early 1950’s this man and his four young children Lanny, David Mike and Cathy joined the Siebrand show. In the beginning he really did not do too much, but he had many unseen talents and they were soon discovered. Okie was a mechanic, welder, carpenter and could invent parts to fix any problem on a truck, trailer or ride. He was one of the best investments the Siebrands ever made. Okie later became the shows boss over all of the equipment and rides. Okie made the time to fix the show kids bikes and help build new rigging for the performers. I lost track of Okie. Lanny and I were buddies, later he joined the air force. David as far as I know is a ride foremen somewhere and Cathy I have not seen sense the late 1950’s. In this photo Okie is gassing up the show trucks for the next jump. Oh yes Okie did get married to Glenna, a fine lady whose father had a pit show and some kind of ding show on the Siebrand midway. His name was Bones Hartzell. Not too long ago I heard through the grape vine that Okie had won a lot of money on the lottery….. if this be true it couldn’t happen to a finer person…… Okie….. I hope you’re still around.
About the author
thecircusblog
My name is Ivan M. Henry and I am the 4th generation of a circus/show business dynasty. I hope you enjoy the blog.Comments
One Response to “Okie Locken”
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Ivan,
Recently found your blog about Okie (Oscar) Locken. Glenna was my Dad’s cousin. I’m a genealogy nut and I have been researching the Lockens for some time now. The Locken kids are somewhat elusive and don’t seem to be close…but I do have some information for you:
Okie died 15 Aug 1998 in Lancaster, Calif. at the age of 86.
Glenna died in Nov 1993 in Evertt, Wash at the age of 70.
They were both cremated and their ashes were mixed and are in the possession of Okie’s son, David (according to Lanny).
Lanny Locken is living in California and has a Facebook account under the name of Chuck Locken if you want to try to contact him. He also has an email account at chckstr@sbcglobal.net.
David Locken is living in Claremore, Okla.
Mike Locken died 3 Jul 2002 in Camden, NC of pancreatic cancer
I’ve been searching for Cathy for years and have yet to find her. However, Lanny told me that he thinks she lives somewhere in Tennessee. Let me know if you come across her or find out how I can contact her.