Raymond H. Watkins, age 68, of Waterford Township, died Sunday evening, March 15, 2009 at Select Specialty Hospital in Erie after a period of failing health. Born August 28, 1940 in Tylersburg, PA, he was a son of the late DeLeigh and Melva Smail Watkins. He married Shirley Ann Laboda in 1961 and she survives.
Raymond worked at Steris Corporation for 24 years retiring in 2004. He had a great interest in automobiles and was always known to be working on or restoring a car. He was very knowledgeable about classic cars and muscle cars, and enjoyed attending car shows. For several years he showed his restored 1967 Camero and even won the local “World of Wheels” competition. He was also a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and NASCAR where his favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt, the “Intimidator”. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #362 of Erie and the Scottish Rite Bodies, Erie Consistory.
Preceding him in death was his parents and a brother, Russell Watkins.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Ann Loboda Watkins of Waterford; two children, James R. Watkins of Erie, and Dawn M. Balczon and her companion Jerry Kosnik, also of Erie; two grandchildren, David and Roman; his step-mother, Emma Watkins of Shippenville; a brother, Robert Watkins and wife Sally of Warner Robbins, GA; a sister, Dixie McCloskey of Baton Rouge, LA; a step-brother, Fred Watkins and wife Dianne of McDonough, GA; his aunt, Vivian Beckwith of Tionesta; and his special friends, Ted and Betty Johnson and Jack and Sue Snyder, all of Waterford.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, West First and Walnut Streets, Waterford on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral services will be held there on Thursday at 11:00am officiated by Pastor Daniel Laird of the Community Christian Church of Belle Valley. Final resting place will be in Tylersburg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted by the family.
Shirley and family ….we are so so sorry to hear about Ray…..he was a great person…Dale enjoyed working with him. May God Bless you and your family. Ray is free of pain and suffering…..He is walking with Jesus now…..If we can help in any way give us a call…..814-835-5130
To The family of Ray,
I graduated in his class and liked him because he was a patient person who was
very quiet and understanding. He was one of the classmates that I could enjoy.
With deepest sympathy and condolences.
Larry Larrow
Shirley, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is with you and your family at this sad time. Your Old friend Joe Oaks.
The sadness I feel is beyond words.