Arthur Joseph Locust

Arthur “Joe” Joseph Locust, born September 20, 1964, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Lizzie (Buster) Locust and Thomas Locust Sr., passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in Gore, Oklahoma.

Joe was a man who lived life rooted in faith, family, and the great outdoors. A lifelong trapper and avid outdoorsman, he found joy and peace in fishing, turkey hunting, and deer hunting—traditions that shaped who he was and the stories he loved to tell.

Joe treasured time spent with family and friends, especially when it meant going out to eat and sharing laughter around the table. Nothing brought him more pride than watching his grandchildren do what they loved—cheering them on as they played softball, basketball, baseball, and cheerleading. Those moments filled his heart.

At home, Joe could often be found watching Gunsmoke—on repeat—and happily reminiscing about the “old times,” stories that reflected a life well lived. Every morning began the same way: reading his Bible. Joe loved the Lord deeply and never missed an opportunity to talk about his faith with anyone he met. His love for God was evident in his words, his actions, and the way he treated others.

In his final moments, Joe was surrounded by those he loved most—his wife, daughter, and son—at home, where he peacefully went to be with the Lord. His legacy of faith, love, and family will live on through all who knew him.

Joe is survived by his wife, Tena; his daughter, Kelby Elam and husband, Cale; his son, Kyle Locust and wife, Justine; his grandchildren, Makiya, Kynley, and Kylena Locust, and Kaden and Chandler Elam.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Locust Sr. and Lizzie; his sisters, Linda Barnett and Eloise Locust; his brothers, Thomas Locust Jr, Leslie “Neal” Locust, and Michael Locust Sr.

Visitation for Joe will be Friday, January 30, 2026, in the Sequoyah Memorial Chapel at Forever Memories Funeral Services, 463505 Hwy 101, Sallisaw, Oklahoma, from 4-8 pm.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at The First Baptist Church in Gore, Oklahoma, at 2 pm. Jeremy Locust will be officiating, with Tim Perkins speaking as well. Pallbearers are Gary Garrison, Bobby Cox, Jimmy Dunlap, Ralph James, Steve Sanders, Dustin Frost, Cale Elam, and Jeremy Locust. Honorary pallbearers are Buck Clark, Joe Reese, and Wade Tackett. Burial will follow at Webber Cemetery, Gore, Oklahoma.

Joe will be deeply missed and forever remembered.