HOLTON – Francis M. Watkins, 77, of Holton died Friday, March 12, 2010 at a Holton nursing home. He was born on May 15, 1932 in Bancroft, KS. He was the son Harvey Edward and Edna May Gorrell Watkins.
He was a truck driver for Fairmont Foods for 37 years. He also drove a school bus for USD #336. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of V.F.W. Post #1367. He had been attending Circleville Christian Church.
Francis married Marilyn R. Christensen on April 7, 1950 in Sparks, KS. She preceded him in death on August 31, 1989. He was also preceded by a sister, Betty Springer; brothers, Warren, Elvin, Glenn, and Claud Watkins. Francis is survived by his sons, Stephen Watkins of Topeka, Mark Watkins of Oakley, KS, and Jay Watkins of Holton; his daughter, Kathy Watkins of Holton; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2010 at Mercer Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will be in the Netawaka cemetery. The family will greet friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Jackson County Friends of Hospice c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.