Floyd Lee Watkins

Floyd Lee Watkins, 90, of Cairo completed the first part of his journey Friday, December 31, 2021.

Floyd was born November 30, 1931 in Excello, Missouri to Roy and Lena (Teter) Watkins. He graduated 8th grade at Jacksonville School. He was first married to Nadine Baker and on April 5, 2006 married Doris Ferritor.

Floyd spent his early years working alongside his father-in-law, Armel Baker, before starting his own business, Watkins Plumbing & Electric. He served his community for many years with these skills and other services no matter what time of the year or hour of the day. He worked for Empire Gas for a short time while continuing his own business. Floyd began a 37 years career with the Macon County Public Water Supply District 1 as a Crew Manager in 1971, retiring in 2008.

Floyd was better known as “Red” Watkins in the Cairo community and with the Northeast R-IV Volunteer Fire Dept. He served the VFD for 68 years beginning 1947 as a firefighter, board member and historian. He was honored for his years of service locally in December 2015 and presented with an Official Resolution of Recognition and Appreciation from the Missouri House of Representatives in January 2016. The Cairo community recognized Floyd and his many years of service, involvement and friendship by awarding him the Cairo Community Citizenship Award in 2003. Floyd lived his entire life in the Excello and Cairo area, but he and Doris loved to travel on weekends and created memories that he loved to reminisce about. The most important and loved in his life were Doris and his family. His “best time ever” was when his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids came to visit. He loved his community and never knew a stranger because they never remained a stranger long. He reached out to all to help and took in many to protect. He loved deer hunting! He loved having visitors! He loved his music!

Floyd is survived by his wife, Doris, daughter Ladonna Watkins Vest and husband Chuck son Terry Watkins and friend Janice Wiegand daughter Denise Watkins Boessen and husband Mike, son Tracy Watkins and friend Miranda Reger. Grandchildren Matt Vest, Pete Vest, Josh Watkins, Jolene Watkins, Jason Watkins, Jordan Watkins, Ben Watkins, Gabe Boessen, Braxton High, twelve great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Also, Doris’s daughters Lorraine Kirkendoll and family, Joyce Crawford, Mary and Toast McGraw's family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Lena Watkins, brothers Lewis Watkins and William Watkins, sisters Daisy Tabor and Betty Ahlbom and friend Nadine Baker Watkins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pathway-Millard Family Funeral Chapel, Moberly, Missouri. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. . In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Northeast R-IV Volunteer Fire Protection District, P.O. Box 111, Cairo, Mo 65239 (Northeast Fire Fund Raising Account) American Diabetes Association https://www.diabetes.org/community/local-offices/m...