John N. Watkins

A funeral service celebrating the life of John N. Watkins, 91, of Granville, will be held at 3:00 P.M. Monday, July 16, 2018 at Centenary United Methodist Church, 102 E. Broadway, Granville with Rev. Bob Long as celebrant. The family will receive friends from 1:00-3:00 P.M. prior to the service at the church.

John passed away July 12, 2018 at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Granville to the late Earl and Naomi Watkins.

A former Licking County Engineer for 25 years, John also served as Deputy Director with the Ohio Department of Transportation. He was a graduate of Granville High School and Ohio Northern University. He also attended Denison University and played football on the ’47 and ’48 championship teams coached by Woody Hayes.

John was a member of Centenary U.M. Church, Sertoma, Rotary Club of Granville, and a 60 year member of Center Star Lodge, #11 F. & A.M.. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing, and hunting.

As a father, John taught his daughters how to change a tire, drive a stick shift, poach an egg, use a hammer, simple plumbing, and how to start a lawn mower. He taught them that on time meant 20 minutes early, a handshake was your word, and calling in to work sick better mean you are sick.

Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Barbara; daughters and son-in-law, Deborah S. Watkins, Barbara and Kenneth Koch, Elizabeth “Betsy” Watkins, and Maryan Kava.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Don Watkins; and son-in-law, Stephen Smith.

John’s daughters’ journey with their dad has been long and blessed. They will miss him and always be comforted by the time they had together… and then they will miss him more. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Heartland Hospice and Home Instead.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pelotonia.org or your favorite rider, as cancer research and cures are important.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.