Larry J. Watkins, 70, of Connersville, died Friday, January 25, 2013, surrounded by family and friends at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital in Orlando, Florida .He was in Orlando to attend the PGA Show and play golf with his close friends. His death was due to complications from bladder cancer that he had been fighting since February of 2012.
Larry was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 30, 1942, to Donald E. and Mary P. Root Watkins, both of whom preceded him in death. In 1961, he graduated from Amelia High School in Batavia, Ohio. Larry attended Ohio State University and joined Cincinnati Milacron Corporation, where he became a field service engineer. During his 38 years with Milacron, his work took him all over North America and to several European countries. At the same time, Larry was in the Ohio National Guard, where he attained the rank of First Lieutenant.
In 1983, Larry moved to Connersville, where he became a member of Connersville Country Club, and later, its successor, Willowbrook Country Club. He was an avid golfer, and a very active member of both clubs. He worked in the pro shop at Willowbrook for several years and started his own golf club repair and custom club building business which was named "The King of Clubs". Larry became a certified master club builder in 2009.
Larry is survived by his wife: Barbara J. Bodwell-Watkins; his children and their spouses: Clarissa A. Klug and Thomas of Mason, OH; Suzanne L. Hollman and Michael of Dallas, TX; Brian J. Watkins and Dr. Dawn Osterholt of Charlottesville, VA; his step children: C.J. Bodwell and his wife, Jackie of Connersville; Kerry Bodwell of Indianapolis; his sister: Connie Lutes and her husband, John of Cincinnati, OH; his brothers: Donald E. Watkins and his wife, Margaret of Cincinnati, OH; Mark J. Watkins of Batavia, OH; 17 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his former wife: Judith A Widdows Pickett.
Funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Rev. Gene Spicer officiating. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday where memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Foundation for the Larry J. Watkins Memorial Golf Fund to support local youth golf initiatives. Donations may be made online at www.FayetteFoundation.com. Private graveside services will be conducted at the convenience of the family at Mt. Moriah Cemetery near Cincinnati, OH. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.
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February 5, 2013
Gary Willey
To the family of Larry. I am so sorry to hear about Larry. We had a great time in high school. My prayers coming your way.
February 4, 2013
Sue Lotz
My deepest sympathy goes out to your family. You will be missed by all your friends and loved ones. Friend from Amelia High - Sue Lotz
February 3, 2013
Jan Haggerty
I'm so sorry to hear about Larry. It's hard to believe that so many years have passed since we all graduated together. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family. Jan Cooper Haggerty
February 2, 2013
Melvin and Barbara Vaughn
We know his wonderful son, Brian, and his family. We know that his father was loved. God bless him and all his family. Our prayers are with you all.
February 2, 2013
Paul Lai
Brian, Dawn, and family: you're in our prayers and thoughts. Please take care.
February 1, 2013
Jane Oakley
Barb,
Larry was such a fun neighbor and good friend. I miss our 'fence neighbor' talks and am so thankful for our last visit this fall. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids.
February 1, 2013
Was shocked to learn of Larrys passing this morning. Larry spent his life making me look good in the eyes of my customers. He always had compasion for for his customers and the sales associates. Heaven has received a great addition. I will remember all the good experiences. Tom & Carma Rowles
January 31, 2013
Barb and Family:
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Larry was a unique individual and related well with people. He will be missed, however memories of Larry will continue.
January 31, 2013
larry loved life and people loved larry' may you get a hole in one on Gods great golfcourse in heaven. peace and love be wth you larry.thanks for all you did for our family.vicki ledford mccarty
January 31, 2013
You will always be with me. Your love will always grow.
your loving sister
January 30, 2013
Doug and Cathy Adelsperger
Larry will truly be missed. He was a dear friend of the family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barb and the family. God Bless.
January 30, 2013
Terri Harris
Larry was a good friend. He had a great outlook on life and had such a generous spirit. I will miss him.
January 29, 2013
Dan Smith
Be at peace my friend.
January 29, 2013
Judy Showalter
Larry's love and pride of family, and his brave acceptance of
his illness were an inspiration to all. I treasure time spent in Larry & Barb's company the past seven years. His smile, friendliness, and zest for life will be greatly missed.
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Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home920 Central Ave, Connersville, IN 47331
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