Vernon Watkins

Vernon E. "Gene" Watkins of Henry, formerly of Lacon died at his residence on December 1, 2014 at 4:00 am. Born on May 23, 1933 in Emden, IL to the late Vernon and Mary Eeton Watkins, he served his country in the Army during the Korean War. Vernon married Judy Olson on November 29, 1959 in Buda, IL. He was a lifetime farmer who enjoyed raising Belgian Draft horses and owning and operating Watkins Trucking.

Surviving are: his wife of 55 years Judy; daughters Deborah (the late Wayne) Shelton of Henry, Sheila (Greg) Scherder of Peoria; son Scot (Trish) Watkins of Magnolia; daughter-in-law Michelle (the late Dennis) Watkins of Bloomington; sisters, Mary (Richard) Johnson of Atlanta, IL; Sharon (John) Elliott of Colorado, Harriet (Joe) Szadkowski of Delavan, Wilma (Robert) Kindred of Morton; brother, Kenneth Watkins of Delavan; sister-in-law Marsha (the late Dean) Watkins of Pekin; grandchildren, Ryan, Jessica, Samantha, Brandee, Ethan, Hannah, Maggie, Dylen; great-grandchildren , Weston, Rowan, and Emmersyn.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Art and Dean; one sister, Anna Sanders; and his son, Dennis Watkins. The family gratefully acknowledges the comfort and care given to Gene by the staff at Heartcare Midwest.

Services will be held at the Henry Methodist Church on Thursday, December 4 at 11:00 am with the Reverend Richard Kerr officiating. Visitation is on Wednesday, December 3 from 4- 6 pm also at the Methodist Church in Henry. Burial will be in the Henry Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to HOI Down Syndrome Association, Cystic Fibrosis Greater Illinois Chapter, or his church. Online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com.

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Visitation

DEC 3. 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (CST)

Methodist Church
Henry, IL

Funeral Service

DEC 4. 11:00 AM (CST)

Methodist Church
Henry, IL

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