Irving "Dale" Delbert Watkins

Irving “Dale” Delbert Watkins 81, of Knottsville, passed away Friday, November 3 at United Hospital Center with his loving family by his side. He was born January 12, 1942 in Independence, a son of the late Lonnie & Josephine Collins Watkins. He is survived by his wife, Linda (Newlon) Watkins having spent 58 years together. They would have celebrated their 59th anniversary on November 28th

Dale enjoyed shooting pool at Jerry’s Restaurant with his son Rusty, his brother-in-law Jerry and “the guys”; spending many weekends playing games of 1 pocket and 8 ball, he loved fishing, hunting and riding four wheelers as well as spending time with his family telling stories and arguing. Dale was a lifelong fan of the WVU Mountaineers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates and loved watching college and professional football, basketball and baseball and westerns, all at full volume. He enjoyed grilling for his family on summer holidays and always cooked breakfast for the whole family on Christmas Day. He was employed at Superior Fibers in Reedsville for over 40 years.

He is survived by his sons Russell “Rusty” Watkins and wife, Bobbie, Kenneth “Kenny” Watkins and his niece Eva Jo Watkins whom he considered a daughter. Eight grandchildren, Jacqueline Cady and David, Derek Watkins and Samantha, Ryan Watkins and Josi, Brandy Johnston and Zachary, James Watkins and April, Kendra Watkins and companion Nathanial Michael, Jeremiah Watkins, Cassie Watkins. Thirteen great-grandchildren Alan, Sophie, Jeremy, Evelyn, Millie, Chase, Madison, Katlyn, Jason, Hailie, Savana, Jonathon and Connor, two sisters Juanita Wyatt and Wilma Larew, one brother Paul “Ershell” Watkins and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Dale was proceeded in death by his beloved sons, Kevin Roy Watkins on January 25, 2010 and James Wesley “Jimmy” Watkins on April 8, 2020 and his best friend and brother Ralph “Waldo” Watkins, as well as his daughter-in-law Patsy “Patty” Rumker. Three brothers Lonnie Watkins, Manfred “Jake” Watkins and Gene Watkins and four sisters Shirley Weaver, Minnie Jenkins, Betty List and Mary Auvil.

Family and friends will be received at Bartlett Funeral Home, 202 McGraw Ave., Grafton on Monday, November 6, 2023 from 2:00PM until 8:00PM and on Tuesday November 7, 2023 from 9:00AM until the hour of the funeral at 11:00AM with Pastor David Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery with full military honors given by the Taylor County Honor Guard and the US Army Camp Dawson. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.bartlettfuneralhomewv.com Bartlett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Watkins family.

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