WILLIAM WATKINS

William H. Watkins, 88, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Dec. 27, 1999, at the St. Francis Medical Center.

He was born June 27, 1911, at Oriole, son of Elmer E. and Louise Bodenschatz Watkins. He and Olla Dell Helderman were married Feb. 26, 1938, at Cape Girardeau.

He was a member of the Lynwood Baptist Church at Cape Girardeau and a former member of the First Baptist Church at Cape Girardeau. He had previously taught school at Oak Hill Public School at Neely's Landing and Plainview Public School at Oriole. He was employed for 50 years as a plumber and pipefitter for Pipefitter Local 318 at Murphysboro, Ill., having retired in 1977.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Dr. Eugene C. Watkins of Troy, Mich.; two daughters, Saundra K. Voll of Fults, Ill., and Lois McCrosky of Waterloo, Ill.; a brother, Joseph E. Watkins of St. Louis; a sister, Ruth Tinsley of Cape Girardeau; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters.

Friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at McCombs Funeral Home at Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The Rev. George Brewer will officiate, with burial to follow at Fairmount Cemetery.