TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — Maurice E. Locke, 86, of Lewiston and Holiday, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 8, at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Lynn, Mass., Dec. 27, 1924, the son of the late Willis and Stella Locke. He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School and furthered his education attending art school in Boston, where he found his love for sketching and painting. Maurice served his country by entering the U.S. Army in April 1943 during World War II in Italy. He was a proud recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, wounded while serving on the Anzio Naturno beachhead. In addition, he was awarded the Battle Ribbon and the Marksman medal, a true veteran.

He was married to the former Gloria O’Leary on Dec. 1, 1945, and together they raised five children. Upon returning from WWII, he acquired 18 horses and began the Maurice Locke Riding Academy at the Poland Spring Inn. Maurice was a man of many talents, including his love of boxing, where he was named the Golden Gloves Champion. Early in his career, he was a salesman selling everything from furniture, to cattle, to automobiles.

He enjoyed traveling, especially around the coast of Maine. He took the most pleasure and pride in becoming an artist, where he became the one man business, Locke Signs. He also taught many local people, young and old, to sketch, paint and sign lettering. His motto was, “A Business with No Sign, is a Sign of No Business.”

Maurice was a member of the Eagles and the Elks Clubs, where he enjoyed socializing, impromptu sketching and dancing. He found joy in making people laugh and was a man that simply enjoyed life.

He is survived by his four daughters, Maureen and husband, Marcel Landry, of Texas, Kathy and husband, Donald Turgeon, of Hartford,  Susan and husband, Tim Coady, of Virginia, and Darlin and husband, Allen Austin, of Sabattus; one son, Bill and wife, Doreen Locke, of Lewiston; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his wife, Gloria, who passed away in 2005.

To our Dad and Poppy, we love you and will surely miss you.

Family and friends may offer their condolences to the Locke family by visiting Maurice’s page at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.