Published on October 24, 2025 6:27 am
Last Updated on October 24, 2025 7:26 am
Dean Watkins age 88, of Newton, Illinois passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.
Graveside services to honor Dean’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery with Scott Wagy officiating. Interment will follow the service. Crain Funeral Home, Newton, is assisting the family with the services.
Dean was born on December 19, 1936, in the Olney Samaritan Hospital, Olney, Illinois the son of John Ross and Velma Permelia (Beals) Watkins. On February 19, 1955, Dean married Shirley Lee Brooks. They shared forty-four years of marriage before Shirley’s passing on December 25, 1999. Dean spent his life on the farm, dedicating himself to raising crops and tending his livestock. He later drove semi-trucks for Jim O’Brian Trucking and Horns Trucking. Dean was a faithful member of the Fairview Christian Church. He was proud be called Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa and enjoyed every opportunity to spend time with his family.
Dean will be loved and remembered by his daughters, Peggy Henderson, husband Kevin of Indianapolis and Nancy Dow of Newton; six grandchildren, Philip Muller, wife Heidi of Terre Haute, Kristi Ebert, husband Brent of Ft. Mills, SC, April Sebree of Indianapolis, Andy Dow, wife Beth, Brandi Florey, husband Luke and Megan Dow all of Newton; eleven great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Ebert, Arya Ebert, Makayla Sebree, Greyson Dow, Waylon Dow, Caleb Dow, Eathan Florey, Tyler Florey, Martin Loy, Miley Loy and Jack Butler; and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
His parents, wife Shirley, great-grandson Kristopher Sebree, brothers, John Ross Watkins, Jr., Ralph Watkins and Duane Watkins and sister, Bette Crowley preceded him in death.
Memorial gifts in honor of Dean may be made to either the National Pediatric Cancer, Oblong Christian Children’s Home or to the Jasper County Cancer Support Fund.
Online condolences may be offered at www.crainfuneral.com.