Nature 10
 
Official Obituary of

William Scott Watkins

May 19, 2024

William Watkins Obituary

William Scott Watkins, 58, of Bismarck, Beloved father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend, passed away on May 19th, 2024, at his home in Bismarck, Illinois. He was born July 26th, 1965, in Danville, Illionis at St. Elizabeth Hospital to the late Dolly Josephine Howk and Arnold "Tex" Watkins.

He worked in 1992 for Hubbard Trail, then for General Motors with two of his brothers, Johnny Lee Watkins and Donald Gene Watkins from 1993-1995. He continued his work in mechanics, became a licensed and certified welder, opened his own lawn care business "Scott's Lawn Service", managed at "Sunny Oaks Mobile Home Park" in Bismarck, and had different careers between.

William was the youngest of 7 children. He enjoyed spending quality time and one on one's with his family, teaching all he knew and sharing wisdom with his children and grandchildren. He was a family man through and through, he always put his family first. He was ALWAYS there for his family. He loved to share his passion for fishing, camping, animals and everything outdoors and nature. In his downtime, he loved to watch documentaries about history, nature, mechanics, and videos on YouTube while sitting in his Lazy Boy recliner with a cup of coffee. He loved phone calls and texts with his children, from checking in, to talking about current events and especially to remind them how much he loved them.

He is survived by his daughter which he resided with most recently, Brittany Breann Hendricks, son-in-law Tate William Frank Hendricks, and their children, Mariah Ann Benton, Bellamy William Gabriel Hendricks, and Makaylah Rose Hendricks. His daughter Jennifer Marie Andrews, and her children, Nancy Mae Andrews, Ivy Jo Inman, and Xavier Inman. His son Dominick Allan Key, fiance Raiven Coleen Vanier, and their children, Peyton Nicole Davis, Hayleigh Marie Key, Alaina Marie Key, and Dehlilah May Key. His son Bennie Lee Key, and his children Devyn Lee Key, Brenden Lee Key, Cayden Lee Key, Skyler Lee Key and Scarlett Ann Key. He is also survived by his siblings, his sister Debbie Kay Britt, brother Donald Gene Watkins, and brother Wesley Gene Watkins, as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and his very best friend Kevin Farris.

He is preceded in death by his father Arnold "Tex" Watkins, sister Brenda Jean Watkins, brother Johnny Lee Watkins, mother Dolly Josephine Howk, brother Arnold Wayne Watkins, sister Dolly Nadine Isaacson, brother-in-law John Stephen Isaacson, niece Tammy Lee Cromer, and great niece Makaylah Rose Watson.

In loving memory of a father so dear, Whose love and guidance will always be near. A man of strength, wisdom, and grace, In our hearts, you'll always have a place.

 With laughter and stories, you filled our days, Your kindness and warmth, in so many ways. Now in our hearts, your love will remain, A cherished legacy, free from all pain.

 Though you've left us, your spirit lives on, In the memories we hold, now that you're gone. Rest in peace, dear father, forever adored, In our hearts, you'll be loved and forevermore.

"May you fly with the eagles, Dad, soaring through beauty and embracing the freedom of the open skies."

The family will be planning a celebration of William's life, for close family and friends. Details will be given at a later date. 

A BIG Thank You, to all that have and continue to donate to the family, on behalf of William's final resting. 

Online condolences: www.rortvedtfuneralservices.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Scott Watkins, please visit our floral store.


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