Fred H. Locke was born on a farm in Plainfield township on September 11, 1874. He attended school in Grandville, Michigan, and later attended the Grand Rapids Business college. According to an obituary printed in the Grand Rapids Press (1/5/1945), Fred H. Locke passed away at age 70 after a long life of leadership and public life in and around the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area. He worked at the Alabastine Co. for eighteen years as a credit manager and as a sales manager. He was also a former president of the Tisch-Hone company.

Fred H. Locke entered public service first as a municipal welfare director and then became the city manager. Upon retirement from his eleven years as Grand Rapids City Manager, Fred H. Locke began an insurance agency; later, he also was a director of the Home State bank. He served as president of the Grand Rapids association of Credit Men and was the past president of the International City Managers’ association.

Masonic Life was important to Fred H. Locke as well; he was involved with the Masonic Order and became a 33rd degree mason. He was a grand commander of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Michigan. Fred H. Locke was affiliated with many other chapters and aspects of Masonry throughout his life.

In his personal life, he was married to Mrs. Nellie Clare Locke; they had two daughters as well as several grandchildren.