Rev. Dr. Edward F. Watke, Jr., beloved husband of Joyce Watke, and former pastor of Southgate Baptist Church, Augusta, went to be with his Lord and Savior on his 85th birthday. He was born Dec. 26, 1931 in Paxton, Nebraska, the son of Edward F. Watke, Sr, and Ruth (Coleman) Watke, but grew up on a farm near Columbus, Nebraska. He passed away, Dec. 26, 2016 in Augusta.

Dr. Watke was the pastor of Southgate Baptist Church, Augusta, from 1972-1978. During this time he led the church to purchase property, build buildings, enlarge the auditorium and start Southgate Baptist Christian School as the ministry expanded in size and influence. Through his ministry a number of people were themselves called into ministry and today pastor churches throughout the United States.

He graduated from Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, Nebraska in 1956 and then served in pastoral ministry in churches in Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Georgia, and Virginia. After graduate studies at Denver Seminary, he completed a masters and doctorate degree at Golden State School of Theology. He established Revival in the Home Ministries in 1978 and traveled widely preaching and teaching across North America and in many countries in South America and Europe. Known for his Bible teaching and counseling ministry, he published a large number of resources that are available free at watke.org.

He is survived by his sister, Marian Dirks of Tahlequah, OK; his brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Ilene (Hamburger) Watke of Maple Plain, MN; his wife of sixty-four years, Joyce Elma (McMeekin) Watke; two daughters Cynthia Watke, and Connie Watke Moffitt, both of Durham, NC; one son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Curt and Lou Ann Watke of North Augusta, SC; thirteen grandchildren: Bryan Stalcup of Concord, NC; Brooke Connor of Martinez, GA; Benjamin Stalcup of Gold Hill, NC; John Stalcup of Mountain View, CA; Christina Collier of Knightdale, NC; and Joel Stalcup of Raleigh, NC; Erich Moffitt of Seattle, WA; Bernhard Moffitt of Charlotte, NC; Anneliese Moffitt of Prague, Czech Republic; Tatjana Moffitt of Chicago, IL; Michael Watke of Philadelphia, PA; Matthew Watke and Mark Watke of North Augusta, SC; and twenty-five great, grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Westside Baptist Church in Martinez, Ga on Friday, December 30, 2016 from 7-9 pm, with Services at the church on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 3 pm with Rev. Dr. Robert J. Lehn officiating . Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Augusta, Georgia.~~The Augusta Chronicle--December 28, 2016

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Augusta Chronicle on Dec. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Watke

33 Entries

Vicki Dysert

December 23, 2021

We miss those Bible Munchies!
Are they compiled into a book or CD?

Sam Onyeji

December 22, 2021

Rev. Dr. Edward F. Watke, Jr. lives on here in Nigeria through the ministry of Family Life Ambassadors Network (FLAN). I can't remember again how the Lord providentially led me to your website. The materials on counselling which I got from the site are mostly what I'm using to minister and train many people in my country and beyond.

Thomas Rickard

December 22, 2021

I don't know who might be looking back to this page in memory of Brother Watke. I received so many blessings in receiving his emails with a message. I still have some in my inbox and many printed out and even saw and went over several messages from him the other day.
What a man with a message! Praise the Lord for his life and ministry. He surely encouraged us in our ministry! Sincerely, Bro Tom RIckard

Tom Rickard

December 24, 2019

Great friend! We miss him!bro tom and peggy Rickard

Sam Onyeji

December 23, 2019

For sure, you have been enjoying what we are longing to enjoy one of these days - the uninterrupted presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. I remember you. Your work is still blessing uncountable number of lives over here. Glory be to the Lord Almighty.

Rev. Sam Onyeji

Sam Onyeji

November 4, 2017

I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. I'm really pained. Just found out of Dr. Edward Watke Jr.'s departure today while looking for materials at Revival in the Home Ministries web site. Trust you're consoled.

Dr. Boris Mateerne

May 8, 2017

I met Bro. Watke in Bolivia many years ago. He was and has been (through his writings) a blessing to me for many years. I can't find his writings on Revival in the Home Ministries. Can someone please let me know how I can find them again. To the family of Bro. Ed.....he is with Jesus now and we are still left here to serve His Lord. Let us continue to carry the torch and spread the good news of the Gospel around the world.

Tom Rickard

January 19, 2017

Thanks, Dr. Watke, for your life of example! Bro Tom and Peggy Rickard

Missionary Story

Tom Rickard

January 18, 2017

Dr. Watke was CONTINUALLY a blessing to our ministry over the past 25 years! Just starting in a Missionary/Evangelist role, Dr. Watke was such an encouragement as we had sooo many things in common...belief, ministry, family, etc. Many phone calls, a few precious visits, and much encouragements through the "munchies" over the years.... SOOOOO many families were blessed by his counsel, uplifted by his encouragement, and put back together by his books and writings (all pointing to the Scriptures)! Mrs. Watke, your love for him was a shinning light for so many wives! You also greatly encouraged my kids...especially Nathan with the accordion! Dr. Watke's spiritual Biblical wisdom will be missed...and so rarely will it be replaced as we have so few who study as much and are able to communicate it so well! We are excited to hear about an updated website...etc. This was one of Dr. Watke's dreams that seemed like would NEVER happen! Thank you family for getting this done! Sincerely, Bro Tom and Peggy Rickard and family...Becky, Josh, Nathan, and Mary :)

Kenneth Booth

January 16, 2017

Dr. and Mrs. Watke are our spiritual giants and our spiritual mentors. Dr. Watke helped me to grow to love the word of God and to have a strong desire in studying. Because of what I learned from him helped me to be able to better serve my Lord and Savior. My wife and I truly love him and miss him. We will continue to pray for Mrs. Watke and our hearts go out to her and the family. Ken and Sharon Booth

Lil & Henry Weschenfelder

January 16, 2017

We were sorry to hear of Pastor Watke's
home going. He was our Pastor in Laurel, Mt. many years ago when we were a young family. Now we are 83 yrs
old ,but have many good memories. God bless you ,Joyce and family, you will be in our prayers.

John Leonard

January 15, 2017

Brother Watke's weekly sermons and devotional were a blessing to receive every week via email. His lessons were thorough well-thought through, very useful to brethren in the ministry. He will be missed! Sincerely in Jesus, Pastor John Leonard, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Sahuarita, Arizona.

Barb & Wes Nicholas

January 15, 2017

On Nov. 26, 1966 Pastor Watke opened his Bible to John 3 and explained to me how I needed to be "born again". I praise God for his life and his faithful service to our Lord. We send our love and sympathy to the family.

Pastor Barry Layne

January 14, 2017

Dear Joyce and Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Ed and Joyce ministered in two of our churches in Colorado and were a great blessing to us. We will miss this dear Brother. We're praying for you all. Thank you for your friendship Joyce, and your faithful service to our Wonderful Lord and Savior.

Melissa Lariscey-Williams

January 2, 2017

Mrs. Watke and family, my sincerest condolences in your loss of Mr Watke. May you be held in God's peace and comfort.

Steve Moore

January 1, 2017

Dr. Watke was a great man and a great servant of God. It was an honor to have known him, to have sat under his teaching and his counsel. He is a wonderful example of a men sold out completely to the LORD. Joyce is in my prayers.

jean coulson

December 31, 2016

Joyce, heaven gets a little sweeter all the time as the Lord takes our mate to Heaven.love, jean Zeccardi, Coulson

Jason & Ginger Hutto

December 29, 2016

Pastor Watke was a very sweet man and a blessing. Appreciated his Sunday School class at Southgate God's peace and comfort to his family.

Benjamin Timmerman & Staff

December 29, 2016

We were so sorry to hear of Mr. Watke's passing. We are praying for you and your family, Mrs. Watke, in the days ahead. May God give you strength and comfort.

Roger Sanderson and Amy Rhoden

Amy Rhoden

December 29, 2016

Sorry for your loss, i remember him and Mrs. Watke very well. My dad Roger Sanderson passed and was buried on Fathers day this year. God bless and keep you.

December 28, 2016

Bill and I were so sorry to hear of Dr. Watke's passing. Heaven has gained a faithful servant. Our condolences to the family. Bill and Connie Copeland, Pearisburg, Va.

Ruby Jean Bussey

December 28, 2016

My condolences are with the Watke Family. May GOD Blessings and Comfort be with all family members in such a time as this. Rest in Heaven Pastor E. W. Watke.

Fred Marriott

December 28, 2016

I am so sorry for you loss. I know it is great. Know that I am grateful for Dr. Watke's love for the Lord and his love for our Men's Sunday school class. He prayed for, taught and mentored us and we are better men because he was faithful to the Lord's calling on his life.

The FTD Eternal Friendship Remebrance Bouquet

a loved one

Sent Flowers

December 28, 2016

Truly sorry for your loss.Herbie and Kathy Dorsey

Mac, Mary Ann, Don and Vicki McCaslin and Dysert

December 28, 2016

The McCaslin and Dysert Families want to send our condolences to Joyce and Families! Much love is being sent your way! Asking God to comfort your hearts during this difficult time.

Cherron Eaton

December 28, 2016

So sorry for your loss, Heaven has gained another Angel. I always enjoyed hearing Dr. Watke speak while he was at Riverview. I will keep your family in my prayers.

December 28, 2016

Sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for all the family. What a wonderful hope you all have that you will see him again in our heavenly home.

Wayne & Sharron Phillips

December 28, 2016

So sorry for your family's loss. May God's peace & love be with you all in this challenging time.

Gail Davis

December 28, 2016

Have a lot of wonderful memories of Ed- he preached my moms dads funeral in Wheatland, memories of Casper, Joliet, & Denver. He will be greatly missed, but is with the Lord, & we Will see him again. My love and prayers go out to all the family

Jim and Anne Johnson

December 28, 2016

Kurt and Louanne, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am praying for God to surround you and fill you with His power and peace at this difficult time.

DENA KAY CLIFTON

December 27, 2016

CURT, LOU ANN AND FAMILY. SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. SENDING HUGS AND PRAYERS DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

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