Louis L. Watkins

Louis L. Watkins, 83, of Berkshire (Speedsville), NY, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, February 10, 2016, with his loving wife of 62 years by his side.

A lifelong resident of the area, Lou was born in Berkshire, NY, on June 21, 1932, the son of the late Theodore and Helen Yaple Watkins.  He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Speedsville, where he had served as a vestry member for several years – the same church in which he married Patricia VanRiper on November 29, 1953.  He was a 1950 graduate of Newark Valley Central School and retired from the NYSDOT at the age of 55 and enjoyed many years of hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.  He was a charter member of the Speedsville Volunteer Fire Department, a former trustee of the Speedsville Cemetery Association, and a former board member for the Speedsville Community Hall.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia VanRiper Watkins, and his children, David (Shelly Barker) Watkins of Indianapolis, IN, and Deborah (Kevin) Sharp of Berkshire and Cincinnatus.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Kara (Ted) Settas of Dallas, PA, and Kyle (Jennifer Cardinale) Sharp of Liverpool; step-grandchildren, Nicholas Doehring of Deatsville, AL, and Nathan (Kelly) Doehring of Miami, FL; a step great-grandson, Elias Doehring; a brother, Donald (Dolores) Watkins of Owego; and a sister, Joyce Reed, of Berkshire; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Speedsville, on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at 12:00 noon with The Reverend Richard Schaal officiating.  Burial will be in Speedsville Cemetery.  The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the service at 12:00 noon.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Lou may be directed to St. John's Episcopal Church, c/o Deborah Cole, Back West Creek Rd. , Newark Valley, NY 13811 or Lourde’s Hospice, 4102 Old Vestal Rd., Vestal, NY 13850.