Everett L. “Pete†Watkins, Sr. age 97, of New Lisbon, went to be with his Lord Thursday, July 30, 2009 at the Heritage House in New Castle after an extended illness. He was born July 26, 1912 in Saludia Township, Jefferson County, Indiana to the late Rawleigh and Lillian Jane (Hutsell) Watkins.
He was a member of the New Lisbon Christian Church where he helped build the church and made and donated the stainless steel cross which hangs in the sanctuary. He was formerly a volunteer fire fighter in New Lisbon and was one of the founding members of the New Lisbon Lions Club. He retired from Ingersoll Steel after 31 years of service. He loved woodworking, his garden and above all he loved and cherished his family.
Survivors include his children: Doris Louise Sexton of Lebanon, IN and Everett “Sonny†(wife: Mary Lou) Watkins Jr.; six grandchildren: Debra (husband: Gary) Batten of Lebanon, Michael R. (wife: Stephanie) Sexton of Carmel, Forrest Watkins (fiance: Lirija), Virginia (husband: Doug) Taylor of New Lisbon, Clayton Watkins (companion: Kathy Hardwick) of New Castle, Amanda Watkins (fiance: Bart Ehrig) of Galveston, TX; four step grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren, step great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; a sister: Marie Bowman of Hanover, IN; two sisters-in-law: Willa May Roth and Mary Brinker.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years: Helen Louise (Simpson) Watkins; stepfather: Hosea Crafton; brother: Harvey Watkins, half brother: Dale Brinker; sister: Corinne Gayner Glascock; son-in-law: Bob D. Sexton; a step granddaughter and two great-great granddaughters.
Services will be at 12:00 p.m. Monday, August 3, 2009 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Reverend Mark Lomison officiating. Burial will follow in Brick Cemetery. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. before the service. Memorial contributions may be given to the Henry County Cancer Society, New Lisbon Christian Church or donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at
www.hinsey-brown.com
.