'He was a gift': First superintendent of Hamilton Community Schools, dies at 103

Mitchell Boatman, The Holland Sentinel
·3 min read

FILLMORE TWP. — Raymond J. Lokers, the first superintendent of Hamilton Community Schools, died Friday, Aug. 12, at age 103.

A lifetime educator and World War II veteran, Lokers was leader of HCS for its first seven years of existence, helping set the foundation the district is built on today.

Ray Lokers, first superintendent of Hamilton Community Schools, takes in an exhibit at the "Hamilton: The Story of Us" event in March 2022.
Ray Lokers, first superintendent of Hamilton Community Schools, takes in an exhibit at the "Hamilton: The Story of Us" event in March 2022.

“He’s the foundation of our district,” stated Loren Joostberns, secretary of the Hamilton Board of Education. “The values that we continue to hold dear are directly attributable to him. I hope our extended community continues to uphold his family in their thoughts and prayers, but we can rejoice for Doc and his new surroundings.”

Lokers was interviewed as part of Hamilton’s “The Story of Us” event last school year. He spoke with then superintendent David Tebo about the district’s history. At the event, Tebo spoke highly of Lokers.

David Tebo greets Ray Lokers at the "Hamilton: The Story of Us" event in March 2022.
David Tebo greets Ray Lokers at the "Hamilton: The Story of Us" event in March 2022.

“This man right here is a gift,” Tebo said in March. “I had the opportunity to ask him some questions about how we came together. He said things that are timeless, and that’s because they don’t make them like this anymore.

“What an amazing human being he is. The perspective that he brings was refreshing and at a time I really needed that, he gave that to me. It was a gift I don’t think anybody else could have given me.”

Lokers was born in Zeeland Nov. 10, 1918, to Jacob and Hattie Lokers. After graduating from Hope College, he began his career as an educator as a high school math teacher and coach in Mackinaw City.

Lokers then served as an Army captain in World War II.

Dr. Ray Lokers, the first superintendent of Hamilton Community Schools, looks at newspaper clippings from when he was announced as the leader of the newly created district.
Dr. Ray Lokers, the first superintendent of Hamilton Community Schools, looks at newspaper clippings from when he was announced as the leader of the newly created district.

He returned to education after the war, serving as a teacher, coach, guidance counselor and principal at Zeeland High School. Lokers also earned a Ph.D from the University of Michigan after his time in the service.

In 1958, Lokers was selected as the first superintendent for the newly formed Hamilton Community Schools. He held that role until 1965. After two years at Western Michigan University, he took over as superintendent in Zeeland for 12 years before retiring.

After retiring from ZPS, Lokers and his wife Clarissa served as missionaries at Al Raja School in Bahrain.

Hamilton Community Schools held its "Hamilton: The Story of Us" event March 11 and 12, showcasing the history of the school and community. Here, newspaper clippings announce the hiring of Ray Lokers as the district's first superintendent.
Hamilton Community Schools held its "Hamilton: The Story of Us" event March 11 and 12, showcasing the history of the school and community. Here, newspaper clippings announce the hiring of Ray Lokers as the district's first superintendent.

Lokers was an avid sportsman, playing, coaching, officiating and watching sports of all kinds. He participated in the National Senior Olympics several times, competing in bowling and golf from ages 91 to 101.

Lokers was an active member of Haven Reformed Church, where he served as an elder and Sunday School teacher.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Clarissa, of 63 years, son-in-law Earl Miller, granddaughter Stephanie Moore, great granddaughter Cameron Miller and special friend Mary Lou Koop.

Former Hamilton superintendents David Tebo (left) and Ray Lokers (right) in November 2021.
Former Hamilton superintendents David Tebo (left) and Ray Lokers (right) in November 2021.

He is survived by his children Carla Miller, Linnay and Bob Moore, Ray and Sandra Lokers, and Scott and Susan Lokers, 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Haven Reformed Church in Hamilton. A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, also at Haven Reformed, 4691 Oak St.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @SentinelMitch. 

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Hamilton’s first superintendent Raymond Lokers dies at 103