Arthur Watkins

Arthur Quent Watkins, 73, of Ballinger passed away Friday, March 7, 2008 at Ballinger Memorial Hospital.

He was born July 14, 1934 in Roscoe, Texas to Othello (Jack) and Alice H. (Carlile) Watkins. He married Pat (Patsy) Wilkerson on March 24, 1956 at the First United Methodist Church in Ballinger. Arthur was involved in trucking since the age of sixteen and in 1972 formed Arthur Watkins Construction Company, which he owned and operated until January 31, 2006.

One of Arthur’s great pleasures was restoring antique cars. He also enjoyed fishing and displayed a fine musical talent on fiddle and guitar as a member of a band in the mid-1950’s. His greatest devotion and love was directed to his family, especially his wife of 52 years, his children, and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Annelle Watkins; and brothers, Denver Watkins and Larry Watkins.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Pat, of the home; two daughters, Elizabeth Lange and husband, Richard, of Ballinger, and Debbi Smith and husband, Rodney, of Tuscola;
grandchildren, Dylan and Cody Schwartz, Tyler and Trace Lange, and Haley Smith.
Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Joy Watkins of Ballinger, and LaVene Watkins of Cedar Creek; brother-in-law, J. C. Wilkerson and wife, Mary, of Winters; an aunt, Katherine (Kitten) Crawford and husband, Douglas, of Georgia; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and many good friends.

Funeral services will be Sunday, March 9 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Ballinger with Rev. Joe Chamness and Rev. Ferris Akins officiating. Burial will follow in Old Runnels Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Lange Funeral Home.

Following the service and burial, there will be a time of visitation for family and friends at the Housing Project Community Room located at Avenue A and 14th Street in Ballinger.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Karen Rightmire and the staff of Ballinger Memorial Hospital for their loving care and thoughtfulness during this difficult time.

Memorials may be made to Old Runnels Cemetery, P. O. Box 470, Ballinger, Texas 76821 or to a favorite charity.