William David Watkins

William David Watkins passed away September 3, 2022 at his home in Edgerton. Graveside services will be 1PM, Sunday, October 2, 2022 at the Antioch Cemetery.

Bill was the third child born to Dewey and Sarah Watkins in Salem, MO on September 23, 1940. He grew up on a farm, born into a large family and in a time where he was “FARMED OUT” to perform farm work for local families in exchange for feeding and schooling. The family moving to Paola when he was around the age of 16 where he attended school. He worked at a gas station in Paola. Bill was proud of his service in the Army as a Marksman, driver, and mechanic. He married Nellie in Ponchatoula, LA and to this marriage 2 daughters were born Patricia and Teresa. Bill married Pat in Lawrence, KS and adopted daughter Kelly at a young age. Bill married Gertrude “Gertie” in 1978 and has resided near Edgerton, KS since that time. To this marriage he gained 3 step-kids Raymond, Melody, and Vicki. Bill worked in factories, in concrete construction, on oil rigs in Oklahoma, plowing snow at the Ford Claycomo Plant but for many years he worked for Wallboard Specialties hanging sheetrock. When he retired from hanging sheetrock, he started a construction cleanup business where he removed sheetrock from new construction. He helped his brother, Earl and brother-in-law, Cecil get setup in the business and was quite a good businessman. Bill enjoyed working in the garden and even canning. He was always working on an old truck. Bill raised cattle and had a few horses who survive along with his dog, Whiskey. Bill was saved as a child but recommitted his life to Jesus Christ and was baptized later in life. He was proud of his salvation and talked of being reunited with his brothers in heaven. He was active in Antioch Baptist Church, Spring Hill, KS. Preceded in death by his wife Gertie, stepdaughter Vicki Denise Crist, grandson Christopher Paul Landry, sister Bonnie, brothers, Jack, Emmitt, Charles, Earl, and James. He is survived by his sister Ellen Stephens of Paola, KS, Pat Landry, Livingston, LA, Teresa Latino, Denham Springs, LA, Kelly (Steve) Reese of Lawrence, KS, Raymond (Dee) Crist, Baldwin City, KS, Melody Crist, Wellsville, KS. 20 Grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. A special friend, Margie of Paola, KS, Many nieces and nephews.

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