ARCHBOLD WEATHER

Richard Kimmel Watkins





Richard Watkins

Richard Watkins

Richard Kimmel Watkins, born Sept. 7, 1923, in Wauseon, the son of Dorr and Opal (Richards) Watkins, died Nov. 1, 2015.

He married Evelyn Gae Pittman on Dec. 10, 1944.

Richard was a man who joyfully shared his love of music and learning and who provided leadership to church and community organizations. He placed a high value on education and inspired his family to follow in his footsteps.

First employed in agricultural work, Dick briefly attended The Ohio State University. With a growing family, his studies were interrupted to support them.

Dick and Evelyn both worked to support their children and encouraged them in a variety of pursuits– band, choir, sports, and church and school activities.

When the family had grown to include eight children, Dick resumed his college education, completing a bachelor’s degree in education at Bowling Green State University in 1968.

While teaching various grade levels, he continued his higher education and earned his Master of Education degree from BG in 1972.

Mr. Watkins served as middle school principal for the Archbold Area School District for three years, and returned to teaching after that until he retired.

With his wife, Evelyn, Mr. Watkins founded Watkins Tours and organized trips to many locations throughout the United States and Canada.

A member of Archbold United Methodist Church, Mr. Watkins was a representative to the West Ohio Annual Conference, as well as UMC Jurisdictional Conference, served as Dean of the School of Christian Mission, and led work groups to many United Methodist missions.

In 2003, he was recognized for 30 years of service to the Defiance District of the United Methodist Church.

He was a speaker for the Gideon Society, served on the ADAMhs Board, sang tenor in the choir, and enjoyed cooking for his family, as well as for pancake breakfasts with the United Methodist Men.

Richard served in the United States Navy Band (1942- 45). He was an accomplished musician who played sousaphone and baritone, and (of course) enjoyed John Philip Sousa marches.

He also enjoyed photography as a hobby. His friends and family enjoyed his quiet, gentle sense of humor, and they admired his skill and competitiveness in intellectual games.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers Homer and Dwight, sisters Luella Makula and Meredyth Nott, infant daughter Carolyn, infant son Robert, and wife Evelyn (Pittman).

Survivors: children Eloise (Robert) Griteman of Liberty Center, Anna of Albuquerque, N.M., Karl (Jo) of Yankton, S.D., Ralph of Silver Spring, Md., Peg of Delaware, Ohio, Pat of Akron, Jim (Marie) of Bryan, and Ruth of San Francisco, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be held tomorrow, Thursday, at 11 a.m. at the Fairlawn Chapel with Rev. Jim Nathan officiating. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, in the Hockman Cemetery at McClure.

Friends may call at Short Funeral Home in Archbold from 5-8 p.m., today, Wednesday.

The family would like to thank the Fairlawn staff who provided loving care to Dad throughout his years there, and those who have supported or participated in Mom and Dad’s mission work in the past. Memorial contributions may be made to the Archbold United Methodist Church for the Richard and Evelyn Watkins Mission Scholarship, Fairlawn Haven Nursing Home or Henry County Hospice.


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