Otie Locklear News Today

Locklear was born just a year after World War I began in 1919, said Gary Deese, a retired command sergeant major who represents the Lumbee Warriors Association. “(He) was born into a family of farmers coming of age during the Great Depression, and worked hard on the family farm before being drafted in the U.S. Navy,” Deese said. From his home in Maxton on Monday, Locklear reflected on what led him to the Navy and his life after the service. IN THE NAVY Locklear was born to Nora and Otie L...

MAXTON — One of the Lumbee tribes oldest living veterans didn’t think he’d ever join the military when World War II broke out.  But on March 26, his 102nd birthday, Evert Frank Locklear was recognized by the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina for his service.   Tribe leaders presented Locklear with a warrior’s patch insignia, which symbolizes all the Lumbee warriors who have fought in conflicts since World War I.   Locklear was born just a year after World War I ended in 1919, said...