WATKINS, ROBERT M.

Robert M. Watkins, 82, a longtime Quincy area resident, passed away on Monday, August 5th, 2002 at his home.

He was born Jan. 9, 1920 to William E and Lucy (Moore) Watkins in Burlington, WA. He attended school in La Conner and graduated from high school there in 1937. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps in August 1938, serving until his honorable discharge in March 1945. He married Esther Succetti on March 1, 1942 at the United States Marine Base in San Diego, CA. Following his discharge he was employed as a deputy sheriff for Skagit County, and later owned and operated Watkins Appliance in Seattle. The couple moved to the Frenchman Hills area in 1954 where he developed two farm units, where he farmed until his illness forced him to slow down.

Mr. Watkins was a member of the Marine Raider Association, the VFW, DAV and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Royal City. He is survived by his wife, Esther, sons John and wife Janet Watkins of Seattle, Joel and wife Terri Watkins, William and wife Ellen Clifton of Quincy. Mr. Watkins also is survived by eight grandchildren.

Holy Rosary was recited on Friday, Aug. 9th at 7 p.m. and Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated on Sat. Aug 10th, 2002, both from St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Royal City. Burial followed in the Royal City Cemetery. Scharbarch’s Columbia Funeral Chapel in Quincy was in charge of arrangements.