EARLVILLE – Gerald E. Watkins, 84, of Campbell Road, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011 at his home.
He was born Dec. 26, 1926 in Oneonta, a son of Harry and Marion Watkins. He was a graduate of Oneonta High School in 1944 and Hartwick College in 1950. Gerald joined the U.S. Army in 1950, serving for 20 years until retiring in 1970 with the rank of Lt. Col. Following that, he worked for Procter & Gamble until retiring in 1983. From 1970 until 1996, he also owned and operated Leatherstocking Fish Lures. On June 29, 1950, Gerald married Mary E. Burns in Oneonta.
Mr. Watkins was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Oneonta and the Masonic Lodge #466 of Oneonta. He enjoyed square dancing for many years as a member of the Broken Squares of Norwich and Tri-County Squares in Sidney.
Surviving are his wife, Mary; his children, Deborah and William Zimmer of Dover Plains; Warren and Carol Watkins of Camden, N.C.; Randolph and Irena Watkins of Seal Beach, Calif.; Edwin and Ann Watkins of Rome; a sister, Dorothy Kast of Hyde Park; ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Teri Kay Watkins in 1966, and a brother, Warren G. Watkins.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at Noon on Saturday, Dec. 3 in the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.
There will be no calling hours.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Georgetown Fire Department, Georgetown, NY 13072.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne.
To send a condolence or sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.