William Benjamin "Bill" Watkins

William Benjamin Watkins (Bill) passed away July 3^rd, 2023 just shy of his 95^th birthday, in Marble Falls, Texas.  He was preceded in death by his first wife Ruth Ann and second wife Thelma DeLois, and brothers Ralph, Edgar, Robert, and Floyd.  He is survived by children Robert Watkins (Nannette) and Nancy Gossett (Gary Stephenson); step-children Sandra Eldridge (Jim), Michael  Lundquist (Kathy), and Beverly Miller;  grandson Daniel Gossett (Gina),  grandson Eric Balin-Watkins (P.J.), and granddaughter Stacy Hiebl (Jason).  He also leaves behind 5 great-grandchildren, Oliver, Michael, Nicholas, Benjamin and Cassie.  With his marriage to DeLois, he welcomed an additional 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Born in Independence, Missouri, on July 15, 1928, Bill moved with his family to Gary, Indiana at the age of 8.  He returned to Independence during his junior year of high school and graduated the following year from William Chrisman High.  There he met his first wife Ruth Ann and they were married two years later in 1948.  They shared 59 years of marriage. 

He had a long and successful career in the electronics service industry.  His career took him from Missouri  to California in 1966.  He retired in 1991 as area service manager for Montgomery Ward in Sacramento, California.  Bill and Ruth Ann returned to Independence in 1992 to be closer to friends and family.  They enjoyed traveling, especially taking their motor home on adventures across the country.

Following Ruth Ann’s death in 2007, Bill married long-time friend DeLois.  They lived an active and happy life in Independence until April, 2021 when DeLois passed.  He then moved to Marble Falls, TX to be closer to his son Bob.

He was proud of his military service, joining the US Naval Reserve in 1947 where he served until 1956, and the US Army Reserve where he served from 1975 to 1988, retiring at the rank of Staff Sergeant. 

The funeral will be held at Carson Speaks Funeral Home (1501 W. Lexington Ave, Independence MO) Saturday, July 15^th.  The viewing will be held at 1:00 pm, and the funeral at 2:00 pm.  Bill will be buried following the service at the Mound Grove Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Eastgate Christian Church or Coventry Baptist Church, both in Independence, MO.

Bill, beloved, you are missed.