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Ronald Ellis Watkins, son of George Watkins and Viola Grace (Howe) Brown was born January 22, 1939, in Iowa City, and passed from this life Sunday, September 12, 2021, at his home near Osceola, surrounded by family at 82 years of age.
Ron grew up in Woodburn on his Uncle Newt and Grandma Lena’s farm with his two sisters. He graduated from Osceola High School. He was united in marriage Harriet Marie Jackson on July 4, 1959 in Osceola, and four children blessed this union: Debra, Kimberly, Tony and Carol.
Ron was a hard worker from a very young age. He provided for his family and taught them strong work ethics. Ron started R & H Auto Sales and Service, operating it for over 30 years, retiring in 2004. Ron enjoyed traveling, riding his motorcycle, collecting and restoring classic cars and tractors and discussing “world events” with the guys at coffee. He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. He will be greatly missed.
Those relatives who preceded Ron in death were his wife Harriet Marie Watkins, father George Watkins, mother, Grace Brown, in-laws, Josh and Nellie Jackson, infant brother Donald Watkins and sister, Deloris Ansley.
Ron leaves to cherish his memory; daughter, Debra Watkins Evans and husband Vincent of Lincoln, NE; daughter, Kimberly Watkins Fox and husband Dan of Osceola; son, Tony Watkins and wife Stacia Watkins of Osceola; daughter, Carol Watkins and husband Mudair Al-Ahmed of Lincoln, NE; nine grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one step-great grandchild; sister, Marcella Green of Osceola; brothers-in-law, Morris Ansley of Osceola and Donald (Kay) Jackson of Michigan; sister-in-law, Helen Hellman of Michigan; as well as other relatives and many friends; as well as other relatives and many friends.
Ron had several young men he mentored and took under his wing throughout his life including, Rodney Dohrn, Marc McVey, Jack Jackson and Matthew Jacobe.
Cremation was entrusted to Kale Funeral Home. Services will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com.