Paul Ershell Watkins

Paul Ershell Watkins, 76 of Parkview, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at the Louis A. Johnson Veterans Hospital, Clarksburg. He was born in Independence, WV, April 11, 1948, son of the late Lonnie VanBuren and Josephine Collins Watkins. Paul was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shelby Jean Sapp Watkins.

Paul attended Grafton High School and then enlisted in the Army. Paul was a proud veteran of the United States Army with twenty-two years of service. He worked many years at the Hills Department Store and Ames Department Store. Paul liked watching his favorite westerns and the Alabama football team play. He enjoyed going to gun shows and taking to the outdoors to go hunting. Paul never knew a stranger and could strike up conservation with anyone and he could argue with the best of them. He loved being with his family and all the time he spent with each and every one of them.

Paul is survived by two children, Brenda Jean Poling (Mikael), and James Paul Watkins (JoAnna); six grandchildren, Korey and wife Samantha, Elizabeth, Jennifer, James “Mikey” and wife Teala, Kodey  and wife Jennifer, and Jessica; fourteen,  great grandchildren, Noah, Evan, Lydiah, Rory, Solomon, Addison, Katherine, Kohen, Emma, Zachary, Lillian, Caspian, Timothy “TJ”, and Cian, two sisters; Juanita Wyatt and Wilma Larew; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Paul was preceded in death by four sisters, Shirley Weaver, Minnie Jenkins, Betty List, and Mary Auvil; five brothers, Lonnie Watkins, Manfred Watkins, Gene Watkins and Dale Watkins, Ralph Waldo Watkins,

Family and friends will be received at Bartlett Funeral Home, 202 McGraw Ave., Grafton on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 10:00AM until 1:00PM the time of the funeral with grandson, Pastor James Watkins officiating. Interment will follow at the West Virginia National Cemetery with Chaplain Randy Jennings officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Taylor County Honor Guard and the WV Army Camp Dawson Honor Guard. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.bartlettfuneralhomewv.com Bartlett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Watkins family.

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