Belton Watkins

Belton Watkins 81, died at 10:23 a.m. November 12, 2010, at Baton Rouge Senior Health Services Community of Lima, Ohio. He was born November 26, 1928, in Rogersville, Alabama, to Ed Watkins and Patsy Nance Gray, who preceded him in death. On February 17, 1951, in Lima, Ohio, he married Hildegarde Haithcock, who survives in Lima, Ohio. Mr. Watkins was a member of American Legion Post 96 in Lima, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6772 in Spencerville, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Free & Accepted Masons Lodge 67 in Lima, and Miami Consistory 26 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Dayton. He served in the U.S. Army from October 2, 1952 to October 1, 1954. He retired in 1990 from Ford Lima Engine Plant. Survivors also include a stepdaughter, Charlene (Norman) Woodley, of Detroit, Michigan; a sister, Dorothy Burt, of Town Creek, Alabama; and four grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded by four brothers. Services will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. The Rev. Fayne Wise will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery with military rites performed by VFW post 6772. Friends may call from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Lima Veterans Services. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.