KENNETH WATKINS

Kenneth “Ken” C. Watkins, age 72, of North Aurora, IL, formerly of North Fort Myers, FL and Crete, IL, passed away following a brave battle with cancer, Wednesday, July 20, 2022.

He was born May 2, 1950, in Carbondale, IL, to loving parents, Paul and Margaret Watkins.

Ken grew up in Carterville and Herrin, IL and attended local schools. At 13 years old, his family moved to Sauk Village, IL.

Ken met the love of his life at Dog N’ Suds of all places. Sandra Warzyk and her mother stopped in for something special, but it was Ken that walked away with a special phone number and a smile on his face. They were united in marriage on December 16, 1972, in Sauk Village and began their new life together in Lansing, IL. Later they returned to Sauk Village where they welcomed a daughter before building their dream home in Crete, IL.

Kenneth worked locally at various jobs as a young man but found a 35-year career at the Ford Motor Company, Chicago Heights Stamping Plant. After retiring in 2007, Ken and Sandra moved to North Fort Myers, FL and basked in the sunshine state before returning to Illinois in May of 2021 to be near their daughter.

Ken was a past member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and UAW Local 588.

Ken was a loving husband and father, but the mantle of “dad” extended to many, often offering sage advice, helping others to navigate the trials and tribulations of life. He also was an avid hunter, and enjoyed silently stalking deer with his brother and nephew. Fishing came in like a bullet at number 2, casting lines and telling stories with gusto. A collection of pelican’s grace his home, lovingly cared for and proudly displayed. When he wasn’t working in the yard, he reigned as Grill Master Supreme.  While off the grill, Ken enjoyed both Mexican and Italian faire, but nothing held a candle to the freshest seafood prepared the only way Ken could, perfectly. Classic westerns starring John Wayne and the stoic stares of Clint Eastwood always found a home on his television, unless he was nose deep in history books, increasing his Civil War knowledge. The family didn’t travel much, but when they did, Civil War tours got top billing and always involved prowling past battlefields. Yearly trips to his hometown for hayrides always brought a smile. That smile only got bigger when he took the family to the “happiest place on earth” making their mark at every park and ride at Disney World. Ken made many a mark in this world, marks that will last forever and be forever cherished.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Sandra; his daughter and princess, Kendra Kay Watkins; one stepbrother, Chester Viernum; step-sisters, Rose (Alan) Mann, Karen Winters and Tina Barclay; special sister-in-law, Lynetta Watkins; several cousins including Mary Jane Wiggs; many nieces and nephews, including  Margaret Kiwior, Barbara Watkins, Beth Skinner, Bill Watkins, Paul Watkins III Bryce Viernum and Shawn Viernum; his best friend, Dave Wilson, and Dave’s brother Tony.

He now joins his father, Paul Watkins, his mother, Dessie M. Viernum and a stepfather, Chester L. Viernum; three siblings: Paul D Watkins II, William E. Watkins III and Margaret A. Watkins; and infant granddaughter, Aleiyah Watkins-Colòn.

Following cremation, the family will host a memorial Mass in Batavia, IL, at a later date. A memorial service will also be held at a later date in Southern IL., with interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Ava, IL.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the University of Chicago Hospital at https://giving.uchicago.edu. Under the area of support, please note “Biological Sciences Division”and the specific fund for “U Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center”.  Contrbutions can also be made in his memory to No Stomach for Cancer at https://nostomachforcancer.org/.  Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com where you can find Ken’s full life story.