Gardner Murray Watkins

1929 - 2014

Watkins Lt. Col. Gardner Murray Watkins, 85, passed away May 23, 2014. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 4, 1929 to the late Gardner H. and Vesta Watkins. Murray is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mildred "Sue" Watkins; children, Gardner Michael (Linda) Watkins, Kathryn "Kitty" (Tony) Keener, Richard Mark (Tina) Watkins, Matthew (Patty) Watkins, and Karen (Matt) Butler; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Lorraine Pryor; one nephew; three nieces; and many dear friends. He was a retired Lt. Colonel who served his country in the U. S. Air Force from 1953-1981. Murray was a member of the Retired Military Officers Association. He was a former member of the Grove City Presbyterian Church and attended the Grove City Church of the Nazarene. Murray was also a member of the Grove City Lion's Club. He enjoyed flying, boating, remote control airplanes, swimming, and golfing. He loved to be outdoors. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister Orva Mae Dooley. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at the SCHOEDINGER GROVE CITY CHAPEL, 3920 Broadway, Ohio where memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday. Private inurnment will be held at a later date at Grove City Cemetery. Contributions in Murray's memory may be made to the Central Ohio Alzheimer's Association, 1379 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215. Arrangements entrusted to the SCHOEDINGER GROVE CITY CHAPEL. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory or photo of Murray.