Donald Eugene Watkins

Donald Eugene Watkins, 86, of Farmersville, Texas joined his loving wife in heaven on October 14, 2020. Donald was born on May 28, 1934, to Lena and Ben Watkins in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He grew up farming with his family in various areas, including South Texas and in Coolidge before beginning his career as an electrician in Waco. Donald’s outstanding work ethic lead him to a title his family lovingly referred to as a man who could do anything he set his mind to do. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 20, something of which he was very proud. In his younger years, Donald raced cars winning many races and trophies. He went on to restore classic cars, including a 1955 Chevy Bel-Aire and a 1955 Chevy Panel Wagon. He was a Chevy man, for sure. Donald also enjoyed working in his garden and riding his tractor, one of the few Fords he ever owned. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Donald was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 50 years, Janet, his parents and all 12 of his siblings. He is survived by his children, Gene Shawl and wife Pam, Mark Watkins and wife Becky, Lisa Kraft and husband Jimmy, and Frances Notinger and husband Alan; grandchildren Jamie and Courtney Kraft, Jeffrey and Courtney Kraft, Leslie and Bruce Lemoine, Jennifer and Daniel Soto, Tiffany Shawl, Chris Shawl, and Taylor and Casey Stiger; 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation is 6-8 p.m., Thursday, October 15, 2020 at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2020 at New Hope Funeral Home Chapel, Sunnyvale, TX with burial following at New Hope Memorial Garden.