David Earl Watkins, 71, of Cassville, Mo. passed away Friday, April 12, 2024, at his home.

He was born September 23, 1952, in Tulsa, Oklah. the son of Amos and Lavern (McGlothlin) Watkins, who preceded him in death.

Also preceding him in death was his wife, Sandra Jo Myers; one brother, Donald Watkins and one grandson, Kaleb.

Survivors include his son, David Aaron Watkins of Anderson, Mo.; three daughters, Sandra Collier and her husband Adam of Anderson, Mo., Misty Watkins of Cassville, Mo. and Norma Kirkpatrick and her husband Gerald of Eagle Rock, Mo.; seventeen grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren.

He grew up and received his education in Muskogee, Oklah. He joined the United States Army when he was seventeen years old He and Sandra Jo raised their four children in Carthage, Mo. David worked for the Carthage Marble Corporation as a forklift operator for many years. He was a member of Church of Christ in Carthage.

Services were held Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Pastor Jerry Williams conducted the services. Burial was Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Carthage, Mo.