John Watkins, 75, of Pevely died Jan. 3, 2017, at the Festus home of his son. Mr. Watkins was a welder and a member of Boilermakers Local 27. He also was a member of the First Baptist Church of Herculaneum/Pevely. Born Jan. 21, 1941, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Bob Watkins and Lorean William.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years: Helen Watkins; two sons: John (Tracy) Watkins Jr. of Festus and David (Kelly) Watkins of Pevely; four daughters: Tracy (Rob) Skaggs, Geraldine Watkins, Melinda (Aaron) Koenig and Melissa (Stacy) Stevens; a brother: Richard Watkins of Goose Creek; two sisters: Geraldine Kennon of Festus and Dora Davis of southeast Missouri; 23 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Jan. 7 at First Baptist Church of Herculaneum/Pevely, officiated by Jeff Purvis. Memorials may be made to the church’s building fund. Arrangements were under the direction of Newcomers Funeral Home in St. Peters.