GERALD "BUTCH' WATKINS

Gerald “Butch” Watkins, of Republic, Missouri, formerly of Dallas County, Missouri went home to be with his Lord with his loving wife by his side on April 07, 2023.
Gerald was 81 years old and was born in St. Louis, MO on January 25, 1942, to Phillip and Vinona (Cronk) Watkins. He was the oldest of three boys in the home.
In August of 1965, he married the love of his life, Sue Dees, and they shared 58 amazing years together. They were also blessed with two sons, Derek and Daron.
After graduating from Buffalo High School in 1960, Gerald established Watkins Construction and built over 100 homes in the Springfield area.
Gerald also honorably served his country with the Army National Guard for six years. In 1979 Gerald became an owner operator of his own long-haul trucking company, which he grew to a fleet of ten trucks and personally logged over five million miles.
If you knew Gerald, you knew his love for singing country music and attending country music jamborees, where he was known as Uncle Clem. He also had a fabulous sense of humor, that he has passed on to his sons and his grandchildren.
Gerald is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sue; sons Derek (Rachel) Watkins and Daron (Tammy) Watkins; two grandchildren, Riley Watkins and his fiancée Kaylee and Reese Watkins; his brothers Phillip (Beverly) Watkins and Curtis (Loretta) Watkins; as well as other extended family and countless friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Terrace Hospice (4650 S. National Ave., Ste D2, Springfield, MO 65810). A memorial visitation is scheduled for Monday, April 17, 2023, from 1-2 p.m. at Meadors Funeral Home in Republic. A celebration of Gerald’s life will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Denny Marr officiating.