Wayne Douglas Locke a.k.a "Oba Maja", 71, of Chicago; beloved father of Wanda Locke-McAbee, Tawndalea Locke-Farris, Wayne Douglas Locke, Jr., Tonia Locke-Davis, Crystal Locke, Daryl Locke, Orion Payton, Tadashemel and Tiffany; cherished grandfather of 20 and great-grandfather of 13; proud brother of Michael, Janis, Kevin, Cynthia and the late Steven; fond uncle of many. Oba started working with and selling his poetry in the early 2000's in Wicker Park. He was a musician and played many instruments such as the sax horn, flute, and tuba. He joined the musical group "The Cosmic Messengers". Their music was geared toward the awareness of cosmic influence to provide positivity, change and love for our fellow man. He touched a multitude of people to make awareness that it is important for us to love one another on this planet. He would also perform in plays at the local coffee shops. Oba was a friend to many store owners in Wicker Park and was well known by the many people that passed him everyday. He was truly a Wicker Park neighborhood fixture.

Wanda's Piece
My Dad is no longer here they say. So it is "Oba Maja Day". Intelligent man with wisdom of the ages written in his poems and pages. A planetary traveler with messages for the human race. My Dad is now in a heavenly place. I'm sad, I'll never hear him call my name again, as only he could. He made my name come alive, so bold, so pure. Yes. King Oba Maja's spirit lives on that is for sure.

Tawndalea's Piece
I have to use love as he gave since the beginning. Your "Princess" is what you nicknamed me so that's who I was…Can I speak on? I have to use strength as you instilled it in my youth. Your "Amazon" is what you call me so that's who I am….May I speak on? I have to use the spirit as in my adulthood you said my aura was strong. You felt it and so that's what it is…Should I speak on? I have to use intellect as you nourished my mind. You said I was intelligent so that's what I am…In speaking about my father, I cannot fully speak without speaking of his creativity, friendship, harmony and kinship with the universe. I believe I can speak words that summarize him. He made himself one with the cosmic consciousness by painting his soul on the canvas of the street after making a covenant with wind and air. Above all, when speaking of my father the most simple and perfect word to describe who he is and was to me is "Daddy". Rest in harmony's love…Your daughter Tawndalea.

Visitation Monday, November 2, 2015 from 9 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. at Lawrence Funeral Home, 4800 N. Austin Ave, Chicago, IL 60630. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.

For more information please call 773.736.2300.

-Photo is a mural painted by Jeff Zimmermann located at Damen/Lake-