John Charles Watkins

John was a lifelong resident of Miamisburg. He was a third generation to own and operate Kitch Greenhouses. During his lifetime he enjoyed private plane flying, sailing around Lake Erie with the family, scuba diving and was an instructor, bonsai, and had visited all 49 continental US states in his old Airstream. Each August he looked forward to going to Iowa for Midwest Old Threshers Reunion to operate a huge steam engine over Labor Day weekend.

John helped his father build and run the Kitch Greenhouse Steam Calliope. Around 1970, John started working at Hutchings DP&L power plant. One year later he passed the state board for Class 1 Power Steam Engineer. He went on to teach steam engineering at local vocational schools. John worked at Good Samaritan Hospital running their power plant for 25 years until his retirement.

John was quite involved with the Miamisburg Masonic bodies and held many positions, including Past Master Minerva Lodge, Past Illustrious Master of Adoniram Council, Past High Priest Trinity Chapter, Past Commander Valley Commandery, and served over twenty years as secretary of Valley Commandery. He had many other Masonic affiliations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Jane (Kitch) and Clovis L. Watkins.

John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Caroline (Josse) Watkins; daughter, Ruth Moore (Charles); son, John Charles Watkins II; grandchildren, Jacob Moore (Donna) and Nicholas Moore (Randi); and many friends and loved ones.

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Sunday, October 6, 2024 at GEBHART-SCHMIDT-PARRAMORE Funeral Home, Miamisburg, OH with Masonic Services at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Monday, October 7, 2024 at the funeral home. Graveside service with military honors will follow at Hillgrove Cemetery, Miamisburg, OH.

Condolences may be shared at www.gebhartschmidtparramore.com