Samuel William Watkins Sr., 80, of Lake Charles passed away Saturday, July 20, 2024, in a local hospital.

Mr. Watkins was born in Leesville. He was raised in Leesville and Longville and lived most of his life in Lake Charles. His youth was spent in typical rural fashion hunting, fishing, and working with livestock, activities in which he continued to engage throughout his life. He was a graduate of LaGrange Senior High School where, as a senior, he was voted “Mr. Wit” by his classmates, a personality trait that he possessed throughout his life. He studied at McNeese State University where he was introduced to his sweetheart, Barbara, by his dear friend, Rick Dyer. Barbara later became his bride, and they were married for over 59 years. Mr. Watkins was a skilled craftsman with a relentless work ethic. He worked side by side with his father in the family business, Watkins Plastering Company, until his father’s passing in 1998. Mr. Watkins continued to manage and grow Watkins Plastering Company until his retirement in 2006. He was well known and well respected by his peers. He loved his family and cherished time spent with them. His children and grandchild were a source of great pride for him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Barbara Heard Watkins; three children, Samuel William Watkins Jr., Tracy Watkins Kyeer (Will) and Marshall Aaron Watkins (Dana Marie), all of Lake Charles; one grandson, Tyler Kyeer (Sarah); granddaughter of heart, Brooke E. Guidry and three great-grandchildren of heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold V. Watkins Sr. and Ethel Mitchel Watkins; brother, Harold V. “Sonny” Watkins Jr., and one grandson, Aaron William Watkins Kyeer.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2024, in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles. The Rev. Kristopher Hawthorne will officiate. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Dry Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. until the time of service in the funeral home.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneral home.net/obits/.