Final Salute

Jerome V. “Wildcat” Watkins, 101, of Goreville, died at 2:20 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.

He was a member of Goreville First Baptist Church. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and was a Navy Seabees. Navy Seabees. He worked at three companies after serving in the war, these included Singer Sewing Machine Company in Cincinnati, Electric Energy, Inc. in Joppa, and retired from Southern Illinois Power Co-op in Lake of Egypt as a shift foreman.

He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Vivian L. (Astin); his children, Terry L. Watkins of Goreville, Neal E. Watkins of Vienna, Melinda “Mindy” Watkins Hammond of Goreville, John P. “J.P.” Watkins of Vienna, and Alan R. Watkins of Johnston City; 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Velma Louise Watkins; one sister and one brother. His parents were

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 608 West Main Street, Goreville. Dr. Steven Seaford will officiate.

Burial will be in the Cypress Cemetery. A flag presentation ceremony will be accorded by the U.S. Navy burial honors detail.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Goreville or from 9-10 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2024, at the church.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia 22116-7023 or online at www.diabetes.org.

To share a memory of Jerome or to leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.baileyfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.

Published by Metropolis Planet on Feb. 29, 2024.