Vernon C. Watkins 1927-2012

BAKER WATKINS DWYER MURPHY

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/31/2012 at 22:03:33

Sioux City Journal
7 December 2012

Vernon C. Watkins, 85, of Sioux City passed away Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012, at a local nursing facility.

Abiding by family wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, with Neil Peck C.L.S. officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Vernon was born on Sept. 23, 1927, in rural Grand Rapids, Minn., to Harry and Edna (Baker) Watkins. He received his education in Grand Rapids, before serving his country in the U.S. Army.

Following his honorable discharge, Vernon married Phyllis Dwyer in September 1948 while in Colorado. After moving to Sioux City, Vernon worked for Nuway Sporting Goods and the Sioux City Stockyards, before enjoying his career with the city of Sioux City as a housing inspector. Shortly after his retirement, Vernon’s wife Phyllis passed away on Valentine’s Day in 1991. Vernon married Helen Murphy on Aug. 31, 1995.

Vernon enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He was extremely active in the Masonic organizations. Vernon was a Past Master of Tyrian Lodge 508. He was a member of the Sioux City York-Rite Bodies serving as High Priest of Sioux City Chapter, Illustrious Master of Zadok Council and Commander of Columbian Commandery. He served as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Iowa. Vernon also was active in the Sioux City Scottish-Rite where he was awarded the Knight Commander Court of Honor for service. He was a Past Patron of the Rose Criox Order of the Eastern Star. He was also a member of Abu Bekr Shrine Temple. Vernon was a past treasurer of the First Christian Church and was proud of his membership to the Elks Lodge 112 in Sioux City.

Vernon is survived by his son, Doug Watkins of Sioux City; nieces, Petrina Merritt and Jackie Phipps; niece-in-law, Karin Owens; brother, Virgil Watkins and his wife, Jody of Palmer Lake, Colo.; sister, Virginia Humphreys and her husband, Bill of Sutherlin, Ore.; and numerous other extended family members.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis; wife, Helen; and infant daughter, Ann.