Visitation:
Thursday, April 25, 2024
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Willard Church of God
Willard, Ohio
Service:
Thursday, April 25, 2024
12:00 p.m.
Willard Church of God
Willard, Ohio
Eugene “Tony” Watkins, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and faithful follower of Jesus Christ passed away at Ontario Avita Hospital on April 20, 2024 at the age of 96.
He was a lifetime resident of Willard, Ohio born on May 8, 1927 to Willie and Ellen Watkins. Tony and his brothers were raised by his grandparents shortly after his mother passed by Will and Sarah Barnett.
Tony faithfully attended the Willard Church of God and retired from General Motors in Ontario, Ohio.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years, Mary Frances Dyer Watkins. They were blessed with four children, Emily Ellen (still born), Sue (Jerry) Swert, Debbie (Terrell) Brinson and Ron Watkins (Lisa Gibson). Tony was known as “Poppy” to his grandchildren: Terrah (Benjie) Holcomb, Erica (Kevin) Dickinson, Ashley (Scott) Snyder, Tyler (Diana) Brinson, Brandon (Bonnie) Watkins, Jacob (Heather) Watkins and to his 15 great grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister Cleo Keaton.
In addition to his parents, and grandparents Tony was preceded in death by his sisters Lilly Durr and Mary Stephens, three brothers, Bill, James and Edwards Watkins. Mother-in-law, Emily Salyers and father-in-law, Hager Dyer.
Visitation will be held at the Willard Church of God, 5441 Willard West Road Willard, Ohio on Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 10:00 p.m. until time for his celebration of life to begin at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Greg Griffith and Rev. Rick Lewis officiating. Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Willard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Abigail Pregnancy Services. Online condolences can be made to Tony’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com