David L Watkins

Born September 19, 1962 in Pekin to Gary and Martha (Bays) Watkins, he married Kristine Lester in Pekin, they later divorced. She survives.

Also surviving are his parents of Manito; one son, Asa Watkins of Little Elm, TX; one daughter, Alisha Watkins of Pekin; three grandchildren, Nicolas Watkins, Stephanie Watkins and Nicole Watkins, all of Little Elm, TX; two sisters, Glenna (Steve) Roripaugh of Manito and Edith (Les) Hibberd of Pekin; one brother, Kenneth (Tisha) Watkins of Manito; and seven nieces and three nephews.

Dave was a chef across the United States. His most noted was serving former Vice President Al Gore and the funeral dinner of former President Gerald Ford.

An outdoorsman, David loved fishing, hunting and snowmobiling. His true passion was cooking.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor John Worsham will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 32530 E. County Road 2180 N., Manito, IL 61546 or Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 TAPS Ln, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com