Jack Watkins, 79, of Wynncrest Drive, Marietta, died at his home on November 4, 2010 following a lengthy illness. He was born on July 22, 1931, in Lumberport, WV to Luther and Alma Snodgrass Watkins. Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Dena Thorne Watkins; his daughter, Kathy Dunfee (Bill) of Veto; his grandsons, Ryan, Daniel and Andrew Dunfee; his brother, Danny Watkins (Barbara) of Cambridge; his sister, Janet Gallant (Richard) of Melbourne, FL; his sister-in-law, Lue Watkins of Indian Trail, NC; a special aunt, Garnette Thorne of Pinehurst; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by an infant daughter and two brothers, Gene and Richard Watkins. Jack graduated from Lumberport High School and Fairmont State College. He taught for 38 years, most of those years at Warren High School, where he also served as Athletic Director and coach of several different sports. In 1995, Jack was inducted into the Warren Football Hall of Fame. He enjoyed announcing Warren football games, and he had taught evening classes at Washington State Community College for 20 years. In the 1980's, Jack worked for WMOA, announcing sporting events on the radio. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and a former member of Veto Presbyterian Church, where he had served as Elder. Jack was a charter member of Scenic Hill Lions Club and his favorite pastime was spending time with his grandsons. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at the Barlow Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home, with Pastor Robin Swinsburg and his son-in-law, Pastor Bill Dunfee, officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Paden Memorial Gardens in Paden City, WV. Donations may be made to Marietta Home Health and Hospice, 210 N. Seventh Street, Suite 400, Marietta, Ohio 45750.
