Wilson Watkins

DEXTER, Mo. -- Wilson Watkins, 89, of Dexter died Monday, Sept. 17, 2001, at Missouri Southern Healthcare.

He was born Feb. 22, 1912, in Middleton, Tenn., son of James Wesley and Mexi Watkins. He and Dora V. Ellison were married Sept. 2, 1933. She died Aug. 4, 1993.

Watkins was a retired farmer, and worked 27 years at International Shoe Co. in Dexter. He attended New Hope General Baptist Church near Essex, Mo.

Survivors include a daughter, Billie Ledbetter of Essex; a sister, Imogene Christian of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers.

Friends may call at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter from 5-8 p.m. Thursday.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Doyle Corlew officiating. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery at Sikeston, Mo.