In Memory

Kenneth Watkins - Class Of 1932

Kenneth L. "Shorty" Watkins, 87, of Centralia, formerly of Olney died Wednesday June 27, 2001 at St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia.  Funeral services at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home in Olney with burial in Haven Hill Cemetery in Olney with military graveside rites performed.

Mr. Watkins was born on June 21, 1914 in Olney, the son of Otis and Orpha (Metcalf) Watkins. He married Mary K. Salisbury who preceded him in death in 1973. He married Aillean Marie Drews who preceded him in death in 1989.

He was a service station owner and operator in Olney. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran who served with the 71st Infantry and the 10th Army Division in France and Germany.

Mr. Watkins is survived by his son, Michael Watkins and wife, Gale of Centralia; his daughter, Linda Beckwith and husband, James of Frazee, Minn.; two step-sons, Victor Kuhl and wife, Darlene of Dundas and Kenneth Eckel and wife, Trudy of Newton; three step-daughters, Martha Rohr and husband, Bill of Boise, Idaho, Virginia Blank and husband, Wilbert of Olney and Lela Torrey and husband, Frank of Silver Springs, Md.; and a grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Alta.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)