Oscar Watkins, 78

HOUSTON - Oscar Watkins, lifelong resident of Houston, passed away Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Dover. He was 78.

Oscar was born in Williamsville, son of the late William and Mabel (Jones) Watkins.

He was an auto mechanic for many years.

Oscar was a life member of the Houston Fire Department, a 26-year member of the Delaware State Fire Police Association and a 35-year member of Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge 534 in Harrington.

Oscar and his late wife, Amy, enjoyed camping at Chincoteague, Va., especially during the pony swim week.

He loved life and enjoyed being with his family. He will truly be missed.

In addition to his parents, Oscar was preceded in death by his wife, Amy Wheeler Watkins, in 2005; and a brother, Ralph Watkins, in 1995.

He is survived by four brothers, Harvey Watkins of Milford, James Watkins and Richard Watkins, both of Houston, and Leroy Watkins of Vineland, N.J.; seven sisters, Ruth Hastings of Lincoln, Martha Cartwright of Vineland, Edith Creed of Renton, Wash., Anna Mae Payton, Sally Dawson, Rosie Johnson and Kathy Bruns, all of Houston; very close and dear nephew, B.J. Payton of Houston; a dear friend, Robert Yerkes and wife Janice of Houston; brothers-in-law, Frank Slater and wife Margaret of Farmington, George Slater and wife Laura of Felton and Bill Welch of Woodside; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors and extended family.

A funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front St., Milford, where friends may call one hour prior.

Burial will be in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington.

Flowers are accepted or contributions can be made to the funeral home to help defray expenses.