Willard D. Watkins

Willard D. “Willy” Watkins, 86, of Gomer, died at 11:29 a.m. Monday, October 22, 2012, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Delphos.

He was born September 7, 1926, in Gomer, the son of the late Arthur and Cleo (Baumgardner) Watkins. On January 18, 1948, he married Betty Lou (Conrad) Watkins, who survives.

Other survivors include a son, Willard “Rodney” (Nancy) Watkins of Gomer; three daughters, Diana Barnt of Gomer, Mary Jane (Keaton) Vandemark of Spring Hoper, N.C., and Sue (Jay) Grusenmeyer of Lima; eight grandsons; and five great-grandchildren.

A brother, Lester Watkins; and two sisters, Martha E. Ensler and Wilma Watkins, also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, October 25, at Gomer United Church of Christ, with the Rev. Brian A. Knoderer and Terri Barnes officiating. Burial will be in Tawelfan Cemetery, with graveside military rites performed by the Delphos Veterans of Foreign Wars post.

Calling hours are from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, October 24, at Harter and Schier Funeral Home in Delphos.

Preferred memorials: Gomer Welsh Society of Northwest Ohio, c/o Mary Alger, 4430 Ridge Road, Elida, OH 45807, or Gomer United Church of Christ, 7350 Gomer Road, Gomer, OH 45809.