Thomas Wayne “Wayne” Lockman, 76, of The Villages, Florida, passed away on April 26, 2026, at sunrise, after spending his final days surrounded by the love of his family.

Wayne was born on January 22, 1950, and built a life defined by hard work, dedication, and strong connections with those around him. He first enlisted in the United States Air Force at 18 before beginning a long career with the District of Columbia Fire Department, where he was known as “Buzz”, retiring as a Lieutenant on January 22, 1995. Throughout his years at the firehouse and beyond, Wayne was also known for his tireless work ethic, often taking on additional roles in construction, casinos, general contracting, substitute teaching, and coaching at Chopticon High School, as well as helping to care for the McGowan Family Farmhouse. He was always the grillmaster—no one could grill like he could.

After many years in Maryland, Wayne and Maureen moved to Florida 14 years ago, where Wayne enjoyed a more relaxed pace of life. He spent his time following sports, golfing, playing softball, umpiring and managing umpires, working on crosswords and puzzles, playing cards, and attending trivia. He cared for his gardens and enjoyed watching the birds. He also made it a priority to stay connected with family, regularly reaching out, sharing videos, and keeping up with the moments that mattered most. He made multiple trips back to Maryland in recent years to stay with his children, go to Lake Gaston, go to the beach, and spend time with his grandchildren, proudly watching them participate in their activities.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Maureen (McGowan) Lockman; his children, Jennifer (Mitch) Cord of Mechanicsville, Maryland, and Joe Lockman of Leonardtown, Maryland; and his grandchildren, Ryan and Megan Cord. He is also survived by his brother, James (Kim) Lockman of Fitchburg, Massachusetts; his brother-in-law, Patrick McGowan of The Villages, Florida; and his cousin, William “BB” (Charlotte) Handley of The Villages, Florida, who was very much like a brother to him. He is further survived by his mother’s siblings, Michael White, Sara Ruschaupt, and Marie Helm, along with many beloved first cousins in the White family. He was also well loved by his McGowan in-laws, out-laws, nieces, nephews, and their children and families. He has a host of good friends he gained throughout the years who will miss him as well.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Franklin Lockman and Mary Catherine (White) Lockman, and his sister, Mary Jo “Tootie” McGowan.

In accordance with his wishes, Wayne will be cremated and no formal services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wayne’s memory to the Chopticon High School Field Hockey program, which held special meaning to him and his family: Jennifer played there, Wayne coached, and Joe was always around. Recently Ryan served as a manager, and Megan will be a senior and goalkeeper this fall. Contributions will go toward the team’s Scholarship program, which has benefited players over the years, or equipment and team needs. Checks payable to "Chopticon High School" with Field Hockey in the memo line may be mailed to: Chopticon High School, 25390 Colton Point Road, Morganza, MD 20660 ( ATTN: Chopticon Field Hockey Donation on the outside of envelope)

Those who wish to remember Wayne are encouraged to do so in a way he would have appreciated—by watching a sporting event, doing a crossword or word game, toasting him with a beer, playing a game of cards or a round of golf, putting together a puzzle, feeding the birds, or simply enjoying the small, everyday moments.