Mitchell Watkins

 

Mitchell Watkins, 95, of Edgerton, MO passed away Thursday, April 24, 2014.

 

He was born on April 23, 1919 to Stephen Francis and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Odessa (Tyson) Watkins near Trimble, MO where he grew up and in 1939 graduated from Edgerton High School.  Mitchell then served his country in the US Army during WWII.

 

On October 17, 1948 he was united in marriage to Rosemary Swetnam.  After their marriage they lived near Smithville until 1954 when they moved to Ridgely where they made their home.

 

Mitchell worked for Audon Witt Lime Trucking Company in Smithville and later for General Motors Fairfax Plant in Kansas City, KS.  He farmed for many years near Edgerton and also worked at Major Lumber Company in Smithville for 20 years.  Mitchell later worked for the Missouri State Highway Department of Dearborn, MO.

 

As a teenager, Mitchell joined the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Edgerton and later the Ridgely Christian Church.  In 1958 he joined the Temperance Masonic Lodge #438 in Smithville where he was Past Master.  In 1959 he joined the Garland Order of the Eastern Star #287 in Smithville where he was Past Patron.  He was a member of the Edgerton Masonic Lodge #355 where he was Past Master.  Mitchell was currently a member of the Gower Masonic Lodge #397 and also held a dual membership in Buena Vista #18 Order of the Eastern Star in Buena Vista, Colorado.  Mitchell was a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 174 in Trimble for several years and was a member of Tribe of the Mic-O-Say in St. Joseph, MO.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Francis, Marvin and Marlin and one sister Viola Murphy-Nay.

 

Mitchell is survived by his wife Rosemary; son Michael Watkins, Trimble, MO; daughter Karla Gant and husband Chris, Ridgely, MO; grandchildren Malcolm Watkins and wife Alyssa, Byron Watkins and wife Carrie, Natalie Gant, Joseph Gant; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

 

Masonic Services:  1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 27^th with visitation from 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. and Funeral Services: 3:00 p.m. all at the Ridgely Christian Church

Burial with Military Honors:  Ridgely Cemetery

Arrangements Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Edgerton.

 

Donations may be made to the Northcare Hospice or the church.