John M. Watkins

John Milton Watkins, 89, of Burlington, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2014 at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall. He was born Jun 15, 1925 to Leo and Josie (Morley) Watkins in Tekonsha Township, never living more than 20 miles from his birth place.

He attended Burlington School and was not able to attend high school because of being born hearing impaired. He was so excited on hearing the birds sing at age 19 when he got his first hearing aid.

On June 15, 1945 he married Marjorie Marie Baylis in Marshall. His children are: David John and Cyndi Watkins of Georgia, Marcia Marie Watkins of Burlington, Donald Glen Watkins of Tekonsha, Duane Leo and Kristine Watkins of East Leroy, Denny and fiancée (Connie Knight) Watkins of Coldwater, 9 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 12 step great grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Gale, Arnold, Bill, Robert and sister, Flavian.

After leaving school John worked for Ed Smith delivering coal and pumping gas. He then attained employment in 1943 with the Calhoun County Road Commission driving truck until he became a crane operator, retiring in 1987 after 44 years. Upon retiring he drove cars for Brookside Auto for 11 years with Marge joining him when she retired. He also served a number of years on the Burlington Fire Department. He loved to get on his lawn tractor and mow his lawn.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 2, 2014 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Putnam's of Tekonsha in Tekonsha, MI. Funeral services will be held, Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. with one hour of visitation prior to the service at Putnam's of Tekonsha with Pastor Wayne Halbleib officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Union City School Alumni Association.

You may leave an online tribute by visiting www.putnamfuneralhome.com