Ralph B. Watkins was born 25 Feb 1914, IL, died 15 Jun 1999, Mattoon, Coles, IL.
Loreta Pearl ‏(Brown)‏ Watkins was born 24 Aug 1916, Shelbyville, IL, Died 25 Feb 2002, Mattoon, Coles, IL.
* Info from his older brother, DeWayne L. Kinnaman. ‏(3-8-2005)‏. Originally named Dickie Lee Kinnaman.


Richard is buried at Resthaven Memorial Gardens Cem., Mattoon, IL, next to his adoptive parents, Ralph and Loreta ‏(Brown)‏ Watkins.

Richard L. Watkins Obituary:
MATTOON - Richard L. Watkins, age 58, of Mattoon, Illinois, passed away at 2:00 a.m., Sunday, February 15, 2009, at the home of his son, Shawn Watkins. The funeral service in his honor will begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 19, 2009, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Travis Spencer will be officiating. Interment will be at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon, IL. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Mr. Watkins was born July 22, 1950 in Mattoon, Illinois, the son of Ralph and Loreta ‏(Brown)‏ Watkins. Both parents preceded him in death. He is survived by his children, Scot Watkins of Mattoon, IL, Christy Chancey of Kinston, AL, Jill Baker of Mason, IL, Shawn Watkins of Mattoon, IL, Hailey Watkins of Mattoon, IL, and Chelsea Watkins of Mattoon, IL; and eight grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter. Richard had been employed as a truck driver. For anyone who didn't know Richard, just let me say without a doubt, he was one of a kind. When he was healthy he was at the top of his game. An absolutely crazy adventurer who pushed everything to the limit, he traveled the world with his smooth style and magnetic personality. By the age of forty, Richard had experienced what most people try a lifetime and never do. He definitely lived a lifetime in a short time. His words prior to death were these "I've made a lot of good deals in my life, but this one really put me in the hole." What a great sense of humor. Dad it will be hard and you will be missed but you will never be forgotten. May God keep and comfort you until we are together again. ‏(1,2,3 Like A Bird I Sing.)‏ Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com to light a virtual candle or share your thoughts with his family.