Donald J. Watkins

Donald J. Watkins Battle Creek Donald J. Watkins, 82, a lifelong Battle Creek resident, went to be with His Lord after leaving this world at The Oaks at NorthPointe Woods, with his family at his side on Monday, November 29, 2010. He was born January 17, 1928, in Battle Creek to James Percy and Gladys L. (Hughes) Watkins. Don attended the Beckley School and was a 1946 graduate of Lakeview High School. Don retired in 1987, after working 40 years in the mechanical department at the Kellogg Company. Don was united in marriage to Barbara J. Lusk on February 4, 1950 in Battle Creek. Surviving are Barbara, his wife of 60 years; two sons, James (Lois) Watkins of Marion, IN and Thomas Watkins of Battle Creek; two grandchildren, Paul (Amy) Watkins and Faith Spaulding; four great-grandchildren, Hannah and Kaylah Spaulding and Micah and Nathan Watkins; and two sisters, Bernadine (Martin) Kelly and Mildred Cooper. Don was a member of Wakeshma Community Church in Fulton. He had attended First Wesleyan Church and First Church of the Nazarene, where he was a former Sunday school teacher and board member. Don was a member of the Kellogg 25 Year Club. He enjoyed gardening, working in his woodshop, doing home repairs and cutting wood. Don loved cooking-out for family gatherings. At the request of the family, friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where they will be received 2:00-4:00 p.m. & 6:00-8:00 p.m. Services to celebrate Don's life will be officiated by Pastor David Mackaluso at the funeral home 11:30 a.m. Thursday, December 2, 2010. Interment will follow at Beckley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Wakeshma Community Church, the Salvation Army or Alzheimer's Association. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.