On November 21, 2013, Harry Watkins passed away at age 93 after a rich, full, rewarding life. He was born in Mildred, Kansas, on March 19, 1920, to Silas and Grace Watkins. He had two brothers. As a young man in the 1930s, Harry served in the Civilian Conservation Corps, traveling across the West, building bridges and structures which sparked his lifelong interest in carpentry and construction. From 1941 to 1945, Harry was an Army medic in the European theater. He could recount in vivid detail memorable days from his service including the Battle of the Bulge and crossing the Rhine River. On September 18, 1952, he married Evelyn Sudbrock in the Independence United Methodist Church, where he was a long-time member. Evelyn preceded him in death on April 25, 1996. Throughout their married life, the couple lived in a series of houses they designed and built. By profession, Harry was a carpenter and remained intrigued by solving construction problems long after he retired. He would sit in the sun outside his home and use his keen mind to solve complex construction challenges. In his spare time, he enjoyed trout fishing. Harry is survived by two nieces and three nephews; Larry and Don Watkins, Cliff Sinopoli and wife Karen, Dr. Sarah Stokely and husband Paul, Roberta Runkles and husband Randy; his dear friend Dorothy Gatewood, who stayed by his side through the long days of his last illness. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, November 25, 2013 at Floral Hills Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Floral Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation, 10810 E. 45th Street, Suite 300, Tulsa, OK 74146. Condolences may be left at www.floralhillsfuneralhome.com. Arr. D.W. Newcomer's Sons Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., KCMO, (816) 353-1218. D. W. Newcomer's Sons Funeral Homes, Cemeteries, Crematories 816-353-1218 www.floralhillsfuneralhome.com

Published in Kansas City Star on Nov. 23, 2013