Born to Cleo and Clara Watkins (Behm) in Kansas City, Missouri. Graduated early from Trenton High School. Served in the military and was honorably discharged on December 2, 1946. Married Kathryn Collins of Trenton, Missouri on January 26, 1947.
To this union were born seven children: Greg (Gayle) 1948 of Hurst, Texas, David (Linda) 1949 of Saint Francis, Minnesota, Mark (Carol) 1950 of Maryville, MO, Linda Akins 1953 of Maryville, MO, Lori Wymore (Mark) 1956 of Liberty, MO, Lisa Watkins 1958 of Maryville, MO, Lanette Grubb (Jeff) 1962 of St. Joseph, MO
After they were married they moved to Maryville, where Louis graduated from Northwest Missouri State Teachers College with a business degree. In 1948 they moved to Newton, Iowa. They moved to Maryville in 1957 where they opened Watkins True Value Hardware with his brother, Richard.
Lou’s love for the Lord led him to assume many active roles in his church.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Maryville, Missouri, where he served as a deacon, and a long-time member of the building and maintenance committee/property team.
Louis served as the Cub Master of Cub Scout Pack 11 in Maryville. He was past president of the local Lion’s Club, past district governor of the Lion’s Club International and had held many other positions within that organization. He was past President of the Park Board. He was also past president of the Western Retail Hardware Association. He was awarded the Maryville Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award.He was the past owner of the Mary Mart Shopping Center and after purchasing it, guided it through a complete renovation. Lou was an avid supporter of the Northwest Missouri State University athletic department and followed the football team wherever they played.He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Kathryn Louise (Collins), brother Richard Watkins, and son-in-law Gary Kirtley. He is survived by his sister, Virginia Gumm and her husband George, 7 children, 33 grandchildren, and 94 great grandchildren.
Services 11am Monday, December 31st at the First Baptist Church of Maryville under the care of Price Funeral Home. Graveside Services 3pm at the Rural Dale Cemetery, Trenton, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm Sunday, December 30th at the First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the Louis Watkins Memorial Fund at First Baptist Church, Maryville, Missouri.
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com.