Leonard F. Watkins

Leonard Watkins, 79, passed away Thursday, November 23, 2017 at his home in Xenia, Ohio following a lengthy illness. Leonard was born February 24, 1938 in Morrow, Ohio to the late Robert J. And Esther Naomi Drake. Leonard served as a Sergeant in the Army 1955-1957.

Leonard spent much of his adult life in Florida where he was a race car driver in 1975 with his '66 Pontiac 'Spooky 2". In 1977 he moved to Texas where he made his home in and around Conroe Texas. He spent most of his career as a carpet installer but was talented in carpentry, auto body repair and much more. He returned to Ohio in 1988 and worked as a mechanic/security guard for Nixon Freight Lines in Xenia until 1992 then was a groundskeeper for Gayston Corporation in Springboro, Ohio until he retired in 2000.

After retirement he was able to return to Texas every winter and enjoyed spending his time hunting and fishing and spending his days with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren there. His legacy will live on thru the younger generations he taught to.hunt and fish over the many years they had together. Leonard also enjoyed travelling after retirement and spent time throughout the Caribbean as well as throughout the United States before his health declined.

Leonard is preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred (Bertha) Watkins, Leonard C. (Naomi Mae) Drake, & his brothers (Donald Watkins, Robert Watkins and Larry Watkins), his son Kurt Watkins and many beloved aunts and uncles.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 25 years, Elizabeth Watkins of Xenia, sister, Barbara Rich of Camden, Ohio, children: Michael (Tennie) Watkins of Leona Texas, Julie (Steve) Peacock of Conroe, Texas, Steve Watkins of Leona, Texas, Tim Watkins of Crockett, Texas, and Donald (Hideko) Watkins of Shepherd, Texas, his ex-wife, Marilyn Watkins of Leona, Texas and 17 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and good friends around the country.

A very special thank you to Danny and Cherie Miller for the love, friendship and unwavering support thru his illness. And to Nina Ivy and Janene Edinger at Custom Care Elderly Services for making it possible for him to stay at home his last 4 months.

Visitation will be held from 11am - 1pm on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at Newcomer Funeral Home in Beavercreek, Ohio where services will begin at 1pm with Rev. Danny Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Love Church. P.O Box 1761 Springfield, Ohio 45501.