Stephen "Steve" R. Watkins

Stephen R. “Steve” Watkins, 62, of Quenemo, Kansas passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at his home. Funeral services will be held at Dengel & Son Mortuary, 10:00 A.M. Monday, October 21, 2013. Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Watkins at the mortuary after 1:00 P.M. Sunday, to the service hour where the family will meet with friends from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. Sunday. Interment Oak Hill Cemetery, Quenemo, Kansas. Steve was born on Thursday, March 29, 1951 in Neodesha, Kansas, the son of Melvin and Leona (North) Watkins. Steve was a longtime Ottawa, Kansas resident, also residing in Florida, Michigan, and Quenemo, Kansas. On April 29, 1970 Steve was united in marriage with Judy Brown. They later divorced. On February 11, 1976 Steve was united in marriage with Katherine Doty. They later divorced. In 1991 Steve met Linda Ryther in Fredonia, Kansas; they have spent the last twenty-two years together. Survivors include his companion Linda of their home; three sons, Steven Doty and wife Christy of Ottawa, Robert Watkins and wife Melissa of Fennville, Michigan and Danny Watkins and wife Catrina of Smithville, Missouri; two daughters, Lisa Wells of Fennville, Michigan and Beverly O’Neil and husband Patrick of Ottawa; stepson, Rodney Ryther of Yates Center, Kansas; two step-daughters, Krystal Bogle of Bartlett, Kansas and Debbie Hart of Jay, Oklahoma; nineteen grandchildren; one great grandchild; five step-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; two brothers, Melvin Watkins of Winfield, Alabama and Raymond Watkins of Ottawa; two sisters, Reba Aquino and husband Tom of Princeton, and Sue Willingham of Quenemo. He was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, Carl, Floyd, Perry, and Clifford Watkins. Steve was a jack of all trades; he bought, repaired, sold and bartered various items. He worked for the City of Ottawa in the Road Department during the 1980’s. He also worked as a mechanic and in different orchards harvesting produce. He attended the Community Revival Center Church. The family suggests memorial contributions to Steve Watkins Memorial Fund c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. An online Guest Book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com.