William P. Locke

Dr. William P. Locke, 80, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 in San Diego. Bill was born to William and Ella Locke on September 15, 1934 in St. Louis, Missouri. Bill is survived by his loving wife Nayda Munoz Locke and their beloved daughter Lisana Locke.

Raised in St. Louis, Bill graduated from Westminster College. He served as a commissioned Captain in the US Army, both in combat and civilian overseas assignments. Upon his discharge from the US Army, Bill received his Masters Degree in Human Relations and PhD in Urban Education from St. Louis University. He excelled in leadership and established the College of Extended Studies – Metropolitan College at St. Louis University, and became a Dean of his alma mater.

Dr. Locke accepted the position of Dean at San Diego State University in 1974 to establish the College of Extended Studies. During his 26 year tenure as Dean, Bill recognized the need for another state university in our county; he approached and assisted State Senator Bill Craven to establish California State University San Marcos.

Bill also had a vision to expand the College of Extended Studies on campus. In order to fund that vision Bill approached the CEOs of the major, leading corporations in Japan for financial assistance. With the collaboration of the Japanese CEO Committee, he succeeded in contributing to the construction of the Gateway Building at SDSU. Bill also served statewide as a Dean Emeritus for several years for the CSU system.

Dr. Locke’s lifelong commitment was to community education in the broadest sense. He had deep concerns for the underprivileged segment of the community and his passion was to seek ways to bring people together. He served on the National Conference of Christians and Jews. He believed that in doing so, whether globally or locally mutual understanding and education was one of the true bridges to peace and worldwide insight.

Bill loved the Lord; he actively pursued the riches of the Word of God. As an example of his living faith, Bill shared his knowledge of the Bible through, study, teaching and discussion; God was a theme that ran throughout his life and career.

Committal Service with military honors: August 12, 2015 at 10:00 am at Miramar National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his honor to The Salvation Army Centre City Community Corps Chapel Restoration Fund. 2320 5th Ave. San Diego CA 92101. Please visit website: merkleymitchell.com to view more of his life, photo gallery and to write personal condolences.