Richard Watkins

RICHARD W. WATKINS ROCKFORD - Richard William Watkins was born Jan. 7, 1926, in Baraboo, Wis., and passed away Saturday, Dec. 25, 2010, after a lengthy illness. He was the son of Frank and Beatrice (Murray) Watkins. His family moved to Rockford in 1940. He graduated from Rockford schools and served in the U.S. Marine Corp between 1943 to 1945 in combat intelligence as a scout observer, serving in World War II in Saipan, Tinian, and Guam in the Marianas Islands, and Iwo Jima. Richard married his "sweet thing" Pauline L. Chance on Jan. 8, 1946, in Paducah, Ky. He was employed by Ingersoll Milling Machine Co., until his retirement in 1991. A gifted and creative author, Richard was inspired to write "The True Story of a Mud Marine," "Forty Years in the Land of the Iron Man" and hundreds of poems which can be found at www.angels8.net. He felt blessed by his 10 children, two sons and his "Angels 8" daughters, but he was truly our blessing. The light in his eyes was his 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. "Papa, we love you more!" In his younger years Richard was an avid sportsman enjoying hunting and fishing. Richard was a private pilot who had a passion for aerial photography. He will be truly missed by his family. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Pauline; children, Sandy (the late Wendell) Schmall, Bunny (Rick) Lighthart, Joan (Randy) Olson, Linda (the late Warren) Humphrey, Terry (Sue) Watkins, Robin (Jeff) McKnight, Brenda (Doug) Dawson, Tina (Andrew) Woods, Kelly Watkins (Lori Pierce); daughter-in-law, Gail Watkins; brother, Jack Watkins; grandchildren, Mel Schmall (Tracy Mease), Rick Lighthart, Chad (Melissa) Lighthart, Traci (Chad) Ort, David (Catherine) Olson, Jarod (Nicki) Olson, Kristi Olson (Nate Hillesheim), Dawn (Bill) Rebhan, Kelley (Scott) Ziola, Drew (Stacy) Humphrey, Stacy Watkins (Anthony Sanders), Gabe (Patty) Watkins, Brandon McKnight (Barbi Wehring), Brooke McKnight (Chris Fehler), Nicole Dawson (Rhonda Radloff), Dusty (Christine) Mitchell, Troy (Amber) Mitchell. Predeceased by son, Richard W. Watkins Jr.; parents; sister, Doris Townsend; parents-in-law, the Rev. Jay C. and Clella Chance. A special thank- you to the VNA Hospice for the special care that was given to our dad during the last few months. Service at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, with visitation from 9 a.m. to time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the family to be established in a memorial for Richard at a later date. Online condolences may be given to the family at sunsetfhmemgardens.com.