John Lenox Watkins of Rolla, Mo. passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. John Watkins was 82 years, 3 months, and 23 days of age.

John Watkins was born on November 6, 1931 in Jefferson, Oklahoma to his parents: Asmond Lenox and Margaret Christenson Watkins. He was united in marriage to Rose Marie Hemme on October 29, 1952 in Salem, Arkansas.

John Watkins served his country for 20 years in the United State Air Force and Army. He retired from the United States Army in 1981. He was a member of the VFW in Rolla, Mo., and a life member of N.R.A., John enjoyed Skeet Shooting at Fort Leonard Wood, and never missed an opportunity to shoot while Rose was shopping at the commissary. John was an avid reader and had a great collection of books in his library. He loved the outdoors, and every spring he would plant a garden and enjoyed watching it grow.

John Watkins is survived by his beloved wife of the home: Rose Marie Hemme Watkins; one son: Brian Lenox Watkins of St. Louis, Mo.; one daughter: Diana Marie Watkins of Rolla, Mo.

Preceding John Watkins in death is his parents: Asmond Lenox and Margaret Christenson Watkins; step-mother: Florence Lightfoot Elling Watkins and three step-brothers: Herschel, Wayne and Charles Elling.

Services
Visitation for John Watkins will be on Thursday, March 6, 2014 from 12 noon to 1 P.M. at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 1 P.M. on March 6, 2014 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo. with Glen and Marilyn Lovens officiating. Burial will be in the family plot in the Carty Cemetery in rural Salem, Mo. with the United States Flag Presentation provided by the U.S. Air Force. Pallbears were Kevin Davault, George Hughes, Chas Backman, Bob Watkins, Dick Bahr and Don Rivers.

All arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.