Milton Watkins

WATKINS, MILTON Milton Watkins, husband, father, friend, and businessman died February 5, 2002 at his home, surrounded by family and friends. Services will be held at 3:30PM Friday, February 8 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel, 6101 Bosque Blvd. with Dr. Jeff Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be 6:00-8:00PM Thursday, February 7 at the funeral home. Mr. Watkins was born on January 5, 1928 in Waco, Texas. He was a graduate of Waco High School and Baylor University. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. Milton returned from the service to marry his high school sweetheart, Barbara Louis Slaughter on October 4, 1947. Mr. Watkins owned and operated Watkins Furniture Store from 1947 through 1989. The business relocated from Fifth Street downtown after the 1953 tornado to the corner of Washington and 13th Street. Milton worked hard to make a living for his wife and children. But more than that, Milton made a life with them. He loved to play golf in any weather and even enjoyed watching golf for hours when his illness kept him from playing. Milton was a consummate bridge player and a much sought after bridge partner. He was a Silver Life Master. He was a competitive and fun partner. He also enjoyed sports of all kinds. Most of all, Milton enjoyed his grandchildren. He was proud of his three grandsons and commented often about special times with them. Milton was a man of integrity. Customers knew his word was his bond and Milton could be trusted to be fair. He was a man of honor in his business and in his life. He was a member of Woodway United Methodist Church and particularly enjoyed his Sunday School class there. He was a man of simple faith who depended on God while he did his best at everything he put his hand to. Milton served as a volunteer for many organizations. He was a “ten-gallon” blood donor for the American Red Cross and a driver for them as well. He was a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society for many years and was a volunteer for Providence Hospital Auxiliary. He will be missed by his family and friends. We will work hard to follow his example and make both a living and a life. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Watkins, daughter, Debbie Watkins, son, David Watkins and wife, Polly all of Waco, grandsons, Wesley Watkins and wife, Shawna of Houston, Corey Watkins and Jamie Watkins, both of Temple, and great grandson, Trace Watkins. Pallbearers will be Clyde McCauley, Claude McCauley, Fred Siler, Jerry Lewis, Dave Gardner, and Grady Booker. Memorials may be made to American Lung Association, Providence Hospice or Woodway United Methodist Church. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY