Robert W. Watkins, age 91, of King, Wisconsin, formerly of Barron, passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2022 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King.

He was born on September 26, 1930 in Pewaukee, the son of Wesley and Carolyn (Smith) Watkins.

He grew up in Maringo, Illinois and graduated from high school there. At the age of 13, he started driving semi-truck for Watkins Trucking, hauling livestock into Chicago.

On November 4, 1952, he entered into the Army and in October, 1954 was honorably discharged and returned to Barron in 1955. On June 7, 1958, he married Charlotte Haas in Eau Claire. In 1962 Robert started hog farming.

He was very active in the Wisconsin Feeder Pigs Board and was a zone leader for the Furst McNess Company. He was a founder and very active in the Bethany Lutheran Cemetery Association and church.

Robert enjoyed reading and also, watching John Wayne and Shirley Temple movies.

He is survived by his son, Scott (Susan) Watkins of Raymond, SD; daughter, Diane (Jim “Wilbur”) Oberli of Barron; grandchildren, Chris (Sam) Lehman, Stephanie Henning, Andrew (Jennie) Watkins and Eric (Angel) Watkins; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild to be born; brothers, Rick (Donna) Watkins of Wickenburg, AZ, Wes (Dale) Watkins of Dallas, Tom (Ginny) Watkins of Weaverville, NC; sisters, Elaine Watkins of Dallas and Catherine (Duane) Lammers of Cumberland; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Charlotte; son, Paul; sisters, Barbara, Jean and Karen; and brother, Jim.

A funeral service for Robert Watkins will be held on Friday, May 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Rausch and Steel Funeral Chapel in Barron with Rev. Ron Mathews officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 at the funeral chapel and one hour prior to the service on Friday morning. Burial will be at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery in the Town of Turtle Lake.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: May 11, 2022 3:08 pm CDT