Willie Dean Watkins, 87 years old of Kenosha, WI passed away Monday, February 10, 2025, at Aurora Medical Center, Kenosha, WI.
He was born January 22, 1938, in Fayette, AL the son of the late Lester Henry and Alice Elizabith Lynn (Wright) Watkins. On May 17, 1958, Willie married Elizabeth Rose Ives in Zion, IL and she preceded him in death in 2021.
Willie proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1961-1963 and after his Service, worked as a machinist and retired from Alpha Laval. He was a hobbyist HAM Radio operator and in his younger years, a Line Clearance General Foreman for Asplundh Tree Company. Willie loved riding his Harley-Davidson, boating, and gardening. He also enjoyed betting on the horses at Arlington Park, and feeding his backyard animals. Willie especially cherished time with his 4 sons and all of his grandchildren.
Survivors include his children, Randy Watkins, Scott (Kathryn) Watkins, Jamie (Rose) Watkins and Kelly Watkins; grandchildren, Brandon, David, Emily, Anthony, Eric, Elizabeth, Matthew, Samantha, Kayla, and Liam; great-grandchildren, Ryder and Harper; and sisters, Joy Dean (the late Paul) Kilgore and Molly Jo (the late Edward) Wright.
In addition to his parents and wife, Willie was preceded in death by a sister, Sara Lue (Harold) Bryant.
Memorial visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Proko Funeral Home. A memorial service with military honors will commence at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.
