Richard Wayne Watkins

Richard Wayne Watkins, age 86, of Mineral Ridge passed away on Friday, August 11, 2017 at St. Elizabeth's Specialty Hospital in Youngstown. Born April 2, 1931 in Mineral Ridge, he was the son of the late Watkin and Belva Marie (Price) Watkins. Richard attended Niles McKinley High School and later attended Kent State University. He served in the U.S. Army, being stationed in the Panama Canal during the Korean War. After working for Republic Steel and RMI, he went on to work for the U.S. Postal Service as a Rural Mail Carrier from 1956 until his retirement in 1986. He enjoyed debate, politics, history, gardening, and spending time at the family cabin in Sinnemahoning, PA.; where his wife Margaret " Jean" (English) was born. They were married on September 10, 1952; together they enjoyed long walks and bike riding. Survivors include his children: David (Coralie) Watkins of South Carolina, Susan (David) Claypool of Niles, Linda (Charles) Mooney of McDonald, and William "Bill" (Laurie) Watkins of Florida; grandchildren: Cary Rusk, Matthew and Brad Claypool, Charles C., Ashley, and Tyler Mooney, and Christina and Jessica Watkins; 11 great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law Barbara Watkins. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jean on November 17, 2014, a son Richard W. Watkins, Jr. on November 8, 2014; brothers: Jack, Edward, Watkin "Bill" Watkins, and sisters Marie Watkins and Beatrice Candio. Friends will be received at the Lane Funeral Home, Mineral Ridge Chapel on Tuesday from 5-7PM, where services will be held on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 10:30AM. Burial will take place at Kerr Cemetery.