Wallace D. Watkins

Wallace D. Watkins, 92, of Baytown, TX was born April 1, 1924, in Brady, TX and passed away Sunday, February 19, 2017, in Baytown. He was a member of the Church of Christ of La Porte. He was a WWII Army veteran where he was a member of an airborne unit and then became a glider pilot, surviving two crashes, one of which resulted in his losing an eye. He was a law enforcement officer for many years and served as the Chief of Police in Portland, TX and survived an accidental shooting when another police officer's gun accidently discharged, resulting in a bullet hole in his hat and a crease on his head. He also served as a park ranger at the Bastrop State park and retired as an oilfield gauger in Ganado.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Minnie Watkins; wife, Daisy Jean King Watkins; and six sisters and a brother. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Lauretta and Bud Loupe of La Porte, Janette Engstrom of Baytown, and Dana and Ricky Hopkins of La Porte; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Monica Watkins of Alvin; grandchildren, Daniel, Mark, Becky, Wesley, Nicki, Chris, Laura, Jessica, and Greg; and seventeen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

His family will receive friends at the Church of Christ of La Porte, 704 Broadway, La Porte, TX 77571, on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a funeral to follow at 6:00 p.m. with Tim King officiating. A graveside service will be held at the Ganado City Cemetery on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

Serving as pallbearers will be Daniel Loupe, Chris Loupe, Wesley Clendennen, Greg Watkins, Mickeal Parker, and Donald Parker. Mark Pinch will be an honorary pallbearer.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.