Claud Watkins, 78, Topeka, died Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at Homestead Assisted Living, Topeka. He was born September 20, 1928 in Bancroft, Kansas the son of Harvey Edward and Edna Mae Gorrel Watkins. Claud attended school in Bancroft and Soldier, Kansas. He served as a Howitzer Artillery Gunner in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953 during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Korea. He worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 30 years retiring in 1983. Following retirement Mr. Watkins owned and operated several rental properties. Claud attended Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church and Central Park Christian Church. Mr. Watkins loved working outdoors especially at the family farm and in his own yard. He married Georgia E. Brandt April 17, 1955 in Wetmore, Kansas. She preceded him in death April 24, 2005. Survivors include two daughters, Cindy Eder and her husband Tom; Pam Broadbent and her husband Brian; a son, Curt Watkins and his wife Karen all of Topeka; three granddaughters, Erin, Amy, and Andrea Broadbent; and two grandsons, Matthew and Michael Eder. He is also survived by his brother Francis Watkins, Holton, Kansas. A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday June 15, 2007 at the Topeka Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will be in Wetmore Cemetery. Mr. Watkins will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home where the family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 pm that evening. Memorial contributions may be sent to Homestead of Topeka, c/o Susan Bullock, 5820 SW Drury Lane,Topeka, KS 66604. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabel.com. The family would like to thank all the loving caregivers at Homestead Assisted Living. May God bless each one of you. Claud Watkins
Published by Topeka Capital-Journal on Jun. 14, 2007.