Mr. Ray "Rex" Watkins, Sr., 78, of Newton, Illinois passed away at 3:15 a.m., Friday, March 5, 2010 at his residence.
Visitation and memorial services were held at the First Baptist Church in Newton, where Rex was a member, followed by burial service at Honey Cemetery near Bogota, IL. Arrangements are under the care of Crain Funeral Home in Newton.
Rex was born on March 6, 1931 in Macon, IL. He was preceded in death by his father Herbert Eck Watkins and mother Meredith (Trimble) Watkins. Rex was united in marriage to Nola Rosalie Chesnut on October 30, 1949. Along with his wife he is survived by four children, eleven grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; daughter Lynn (Robert D. Sr.) Albright of St. Joseph, MI, and family Robert D. (Aimee) Albright, Jr. [Adam, Melanie, Rosalie], Lori (Scott) Raches [Brayden, Evan, Shaylen]; daughter Susan (Ray) Tolley of Springfield, IL, and family Kim (Justin) Tolley-Bateman [Taylor], Aaron (Nicole) Lindsey [Caden, Breckan, Teagan], Matthew Lindsey [Haley]; son Ray Rex (Donna) Watkins, Jr. of Newton, IL, and family Randi (Nic) Horst [Taylor, Trey, Elyse], Jesiah (Kelsey) Watkins; and daughter Jo (Condie) Holt of Champaign, IL. and family Jamie Star [Jada, Jaxson], Amanda (Adam) Roth [Landon], Rebekah Holt, and Timothy Holt.
Rex is also survived by three sisters, Nelda Zike, Edwardsville, IL, Doris Klier, Newton, IL, Betty Haley, Quincy, IL and one brother Larry Watkins, Springfield, IL.
In loving memory of Rex, memorials may be made to Hospice of Southeastern IL.; 800 E. Locust Street, Olney, IL 62450-2598.
