Max Franklin Watkins

Mr. Max Franklin Watkins, 67, of Pineville, Mo, passed away on Friday, Oct. 24, 2008, at his residence, with his loving family by his side, following an extended illness.

Max began his journey on May 28, 1941, in Carthage, Mo., the son of Cecil and Beulah (Moore) Watkins. He grew up in Sheldon, Mo., with three sisters. Max proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years. He retired from the Salinas, Calif., Fire Department, in 1980, and moved to Rogers, Ark., where he was a businessman in both the automobile and heating and air conditioning business. He married Vickie Patterson on July 3, 1997 at Eureka Springs, Ark. Max retired in 1993 and moved to Pineville on Big Sugar Creek where he enjoyed fishing, four-wheeling, restoring antique cars and the outdoors.

Max was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Watkins and a sister.

He is survived by his loving wife Vickie Patterson Watkins, of the home; a stepson, Jonathan Patterson and granddaughter, Rylee also of the home; a daughter, Gena Jackson and son, Brandon Watkins all of Norman, Okla.; his mother, Beulah Watkins, of Sheldon, Mo.; three sisters, Marge McCarver and husband, Clint, of Rogers, Ark., Rosa Lee Raynor and husband, Gary of Sheldon, Mo., Pam Watkins of Moundville, Mo.; stepchildren, Diane Skaggs, of Garfield, Ark., David Meadows of Boseman, Mont., Debbie Brady of Jackson, Miss.; 15 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three nephews; two nieces, as well as a host of friends and neighbors who will dearly miss Max.