Ernie Lee Lockheart was born on September 21, 1955, to Amos and Lillie P. Lockheart in Kansas City, Missouri. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, two sisters, one brother, one son, two grandchildren, one great grandchild, one nephew, one niece and one special sister.

Ernie received his early education in the Kansas City, Missouri School District. He graduated from Paseo High School. While in high school, he began working at a young age at the neighborhood store, "Food King."

After graduating from high school, Ernie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  He served from July 9, 1975, to January 9, 1980. He was honorably discharged. After the military, he was employed at University of Kansas Medical Center for eight years. Later, he worked as a maintenance supervisor for several housing complexes. He retired due to his failing health. This allowed him to spend time at the "Loving Arms Daycare."

Ernie married the love of his life, Regina Pennington-Lockheart, on June 10, 1991.  They raised five sons and one daughter.

Ernie was a life-long member of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ.

Ernie Lee Lockheart departed this life on Friday, March 20, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Ernie leaves to cherish his memory: one daughter, Tamara Lockheart of Charlotte, North Carolina; from a previous marriage to (Diane Ginn-Lockheart), which was later dissolved. After which he later married the love of his life Regina Pennington-Lockheart, where they together raised five sons, Thomas Pennington, Samel Pennington, Reginald Pennington, Darryl Pennington, and Morris Pennington; two sisters, Karen (Dorsey) Golston and Bonita (Bobby) Black both of Kansas City, Missouri; one brother, Curtis White; sister-in-law, Benita McConnell; 22 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; four close friends, Edrick and Edna McDonald (Ernie was also the godfather of their three children); Jesse and Gwen Johnson; and his special friends from "The Brotherhood Club."

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .