Leon Watkins

Leon Watkins of Puxico, formerly of Essex, son of the late William Harrison and Treecie Lorene Kirtley Watkins, was born in Morehouse, on January 3, 1944, and passed away at his home in Puxico on May 28, 2018, at the age of 74 years, 4 months and 25 days.

Leon had lived in Essex before moving to Puxico three years ago. He had worked as a fabricator at Kelpro in Salcedo, attended Duck Creek Baptist Church and enjoyed, fishing, hunting, cooking and promoting fundraisers for area needs.

On May 31, 1963, he was married to Patricia Corrine Chism in Catron, Missouri.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia Watkins of Puxico, two daughters, Diana Devore of Swinton, Mellody Wheetley of Puxico; adopted son & wife, Buck & Jessica Cruse of Puxico; five grandchildren & spouses, Jennifer & Mark Newell and Jessica Steele all of Dexter, Roger & Taylor Cochran II of Cape Girardeau, Alanna Newman of Poplar Bluff, Hunter Wheetley of Puxico; ten great grandchildren; three brothers, Robert Watkins of Essex, Billy Watkins of Gideon, Rocky Watkins of Kansas; three sisters, Shirlene Miller of Kansas City, Ellen Buck of Kentucky, and Pat Johnson of Gideon. Other relatives and many friends also survive. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one son, Lanny Watkins and three brothers.

Friends may visit on Friday, June 1, 2018, after 10:00 a.m. until time of services at 12:00 p.m. at the Duck Creek Baptist Church near Puxico with Bro. Buck Cruse of Puxico officiating.

Interment will be in the Essex Cemetery in Essex, Missouri with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter in charge of arrangements.