Mr. Donald L. Watkins, Sr. 89, of London Mills, Illinois died at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Legacy Estates of Monmouth, Monmouth, Illinois.
He was born April 3, 1935, in Chestnut Township, Illinois to J. Wesley and Elsie (Trimble) Watkins. He married Wilma I. Loveland on November 7, 1955, in Abingdon, Illinois.
Surviving is his wife of almost 70 years, Wilma I. Watkins of London Mills, his children, Donald L (and Sharon) Watkins, Jr. of London Mills, Mary (and William ”Perry”) Hirsbrunner of Galesburg, Illinois, and Randy L (and Michele) Watkins of Abingdon, a brother, John Wesley (and Vickie) Watkins of Galesburg, six grandchildren, David (and Tonya) Watkins, Josh (and Norma) Hendricks, Kelly (and Jordan) Sale, Dawn (and John) Cadwell, Daniel Watkins, and Erin (and Dillon Hovind) Carder, 15 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, William “Bill” Watkins, a son-in-law, Jon Gallagher, two brothers, Russel Watkins and Gene Watkins and two great grandchildren.
Donald was a farmer in the London Mills area his whole life. When he was younger, he attended the Hermon Methodist Church. He was a hard worker, but he enjoyed farming, gardening, and woodworking. To relax, he loved spending time with his family which included activities such as camping, fishing, putting puzzles together, playing Dominos, Checkers and card games.
As Donald requested, cremation will be accorded. There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Abingdon Church of God of Prophecy. Rev. David Swain will officiate. There will be a luncheon following the Celebration of Life at the Church to share stories of Donald and continue fellowship. Cremation burial will be at a later date in the Abingdon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family for an organization to be decided later. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
