Charles Watkins

Charles T. Watkins, 89, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died Saturday, April 17, 2010, in the Emergency Room of the Henry County Health Center. Visitation will begin after 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20th, at the Olson - Powell Memorial Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. that evening. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 21st, at 11:00 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Herb Shafer officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery with full military rites. Memorials have been established to First United Methodist Church and Disabled American Veterans. Born at home, on September 19, 1920, in Yarmouth, IA, Charles Theodore was the son of Robert E. and Louisa Jamison Watkins. He graduated from Yarmouth High School. On December 25, 1942, he married Meriel Baker at her parents' home in Yarmouth. She survives. Just prior to his marriage, Charlie enlisted in the United States Navy and served in both the Navy and the United States Marine Corps. Charlie was a Seabee and participated in the Mariana Islands Campaign preceding the Japanese Invasion during World War II. After returning from the war, Charlie worked for the A.D. Hayes Company in Yarmouth and Mt. Pleasant. Later, Charlie moved to Mt. Pleasant where he owned and operated Watkins Feed and Farm Supply. He also worked for Miller Mutual as an insurance adjuster. Charlie operated his own house painting business for a number of years before retiring in the late seventies. He maintained a woodworking shop in his home, where he enjoyed refurbishing and refinishing antique furniture and caning chairs. Active at the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Pleasant, Charlie served as a trustee. He was a member of the Mt. Pleasant V.F.W. Post #2561, Country Club on the River, and the R.O.M.E.O. Club. Charlie served as a trustee for the Henry County Historical Cemetery Preservation. He was a former member of the Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club. In his younger years, Charlie was a Boy Scout volunteer and Little League Coach. Over the years he enjoyed playing cards, especially Bridge, and square dancing. His greatest enjoyment was from spending time with his family. Along with his wife, Meriel, of 67 years, Charlie is survived by two sons, Randy (Pamela) Watkins of Iowa City, IA, and Danny (Margie) Watkins of Norcross, GA, and one brother, Major Watkins of Yarmouth, IA. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Chloe Watkins, Jocelyn (Chris) Reynolds, Kristin Watkins, Bryan Watkins, and Jennifer Watkins, along with two great-grandchildren, Aubrey Reynolds and Canyon Watkins. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Watkins, Jr.