Gene Raymond Watkins

of East Galesburg died Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 1:28 pm at home surrounded by his wife and children after having fought a long and brave battle against pancreatic cancer. Gene was born December 13, 1936, in Abingdon, Illinois to John Wesley and Elsie V. (Trimble) Watkins. Gene married Sandra Kay Roberts on May 24, 1964 in Hermon, IL. Surviving are his wife of nearly 45 years; a daughter, Cynthia Sue (Mike) Karlovich of Peoria; two sons, Barry Gene (Wendi) of East Galesburg and Bruce Raymond (Amy) of Galesburg; three brothers, Russell (Betty) of Elmwood, Donald (Wilma) of rural London Mills, and John (Vickie) of Galesburg; five grandchildren, Jordan and Alex Watkins, Sam and Sophie Karlovich, and Brenon Watkins. His parents and one granddaughter, Emma Faith Karlovich, preceded him in death. Gene graduated from Valley Senior High School in Fairview, IL in 1955. After working on the family farm a few years, Gene joined the Army Feb. 16, 1960 and later the Active Army Reserves. He was a field communication specialist. After an honorable discharge from the Army, Gene worked at Rowe Mfg. for 12 years and then at Gates Rubber Company for 27 years before retiring May of 2000. Gene was an avid gardener and a die-hard Cardinal fan. He enjoyed buying unique toys to play with his beloved grandchildren. Gene was baptized into the faith as a child and then as a young father joined the Knoxville United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Lamplighters Sunday School Class. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00 am Monday, May 4, 2009 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel. Rev. Robert Herath will officiate. Burial will be in the Abingdon Cemetery with Military Rites by Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post #381. Visitation will be one hour before the service on Monday at the chapel. In honor of Gene memorials may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Research, the Knoxville United Methodist Church, or to Costa Catholic Academy.

SERVICES A service summary is not available

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