Wilgus Edwin Watkins

WATKINS Wilgus Edwin (Wiggs) Watkins, age 89, passed away Sunday, March 4, 2012 in Slidell, Louisiana. He was a native of Jackson, KY, born on August 20, 1922 and a resident of New Orleans for 50 years. Preceded in death by parents Samuel Patrick Watkins and Elizabeth Lykins Watkins, Marylyn Staiger Watkins, his beloved wife of 35 years, and brothers Rexford, Herschel and Ishmael Watkins. Survived by siblings Snowden Watkins and Creola Watkins Pelfrey. Loving father of Patricia (Dominick) Candebat, Peggy (Walter) Schneider, Wayne Edwin Watkins, and Pamela (Michael) Poland. Grandfather of Denise (Darryl) Traylor, Edie Lapeyrouse, Nolan (Robin) Lapeyrouse, III, Tara Booth, Jamie (Heather) Schneider, Keely Schneider, Amanda Stavis and David (Sarah)Fisher. Great-Grandfather of Darryl Traylor, Jr, Madalynn Traylor, Luke Traylor, Adam Labarriere, Andrew Labarriere, Nolan Lapeyrouse, IV, Noah Lapeyrouse, Holly Booth, Bradley Booth, Wade Booth, Vada Schneider and Luke Fisher. Wiggs was a retired master carpenter after 40 years of dedicated service through the Carpenters Local Union No. 1846. He will be remembered as a WWII hero, surviving D-Day as part of the 101st Airborne's 3rd Batallion, 327th Glider Infantry Regiment. Wiggs loved playing guitar, singing country music, dancing and gardening. Above all, he loved and was dedicated to his family. Donations preferred to the Wounded Warrior Project. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time. To view and sign the Family Guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.