John W. Watkins, 82, of Big Spring, died on Tuesday, May 23, 2006, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM Friday, May 26, 2006 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with Dr. Randy Cotton, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church and Rev. Elwin Collom, chaplain with Home Hospice, officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.The family will receive friends from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home.John was born on July 23, 1923 in Tye Valley, San Saba County, to William and Jennie Watkins. He married Gussie Leach on May 9, 1946 in San Saba.John moved to Big Spring in 1955 from Brownwood to work at the VA Hospital and worked there for 26 years, retiring in 1980. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. John served in the United States Army from November 1942 until December 31, 1945. He was with the 5th Evacuation Hospital in Germany.John enjoyed fishing and outdoor activities. He was a very caring man who helped many people during his years at the VA Hospital.Survivors include his wife, Gussie Watkins of Big Spring; two sons and one daughter-in-law, John Douglas and Darlene Watkins of Lubbock and Larry Wayne Watkins of Big Spring; two daughters and one son-in-law, Mildred and DeLloyd Hooser and Patty Cate all of Big Spring; six grandchildren, Tammy Trevino of Lubbock, Stephen Watkins and wife, Kendy of Lubbock, Kevin Cate of Midland, Erika Cate of Big Spring, Kristy Galvan and husband, Theo of Morton and Kaci Hooser of Fort Worth; one brother, Barney Watkins of Houston; four great grandsons; one great granddaughter and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. The family suggests memorials be made to Trinity Baptist Church Building Fund, 810 E. 11th Place, Big Spring, Texas 79720 or to Home Hospice, 111 E. 7th Street, Suite A, Big Spring, Texas 79720.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
