Donald Watkins Sr.

Donald Earl Watkins Sr., son of the late William Oscar Watkins and Lillie Irene Bowers, was born March 15, 1949, in Burdette, Arkansas, and departed his life Monday, April 1, 2024, at his home in Oran at the age of 75.

Don was a man who wore many hats in his lifetime, serving on Oran Volunteer Fire Department, Oran Police Department and as a "cowboy" for E.P. Coleman for several years. He previously was employed at Superior Electric and was president of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and worked for Magna-Tel and Concord Publishing. He was the owner/operator of Mimosa Acres and a self-employed owner of a dump truck for many years.

He worked at Guardian Angel Catholic Parish, where he was also a member of Knights of Columbus Council No. 1430.

On Oct. 8, 1966, he was united in marriage to Linda L. Buell in Benton. She survives of the home.

Besides his wife, survivors include three sons, Don Watkins Jr., Darin (Kim) Watkins and J.R. (Leslie) Watkins; two daughters, Diane (late Chris) Metcalf and Crystal (Jeff) Parks; sister, Pam Wefenstette; 13 grandchildren, Josh Stanley, Jim Eftink, Brandi Daughterty, Christopher Metcalf, Dustin Parks, Shannon Metcalf, Desiree Mansker, Lindsey Seyer, Kelsey Aldridge, Logan Watkins, Zack Watkins, Landon Watkins and Lilly Watkins; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents, Don was preceded in death by four brothers, Johnny, Larry, Junior and James Jackson Watkins; two sisters, Linda Mitchem and Jean Mitchem; and one great-granddaughter, Ameila Metcalf.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, April 5, at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Oran, with the Rev. Joseph Kelly officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Guardian Angel Parish in memory of Don Watkins.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.