Cecil C. Watkins, the grand gentleman, was an inspirational patriarch of his family. His values were how he lived each and every day. He approached life with dedication, humor, fun and passion for family and friends. Family was number one to Cecil from his beginning in Kansas as one of 5 children. Growing up on a farm, he learned the value and rewards of hard work which lead to many successes in his life. He filled our lives with treasures in the wives that he selected over his 100 years. Through Daisy, (married 1936 died 1962) Bernice (married 1967 died 1995) and Evelyn (married 1997 to present) he created a beautiful loving blended family.
Cecil highly valued education expecting all his children to reach high and at minimum be college graduates. The question was not “are you going to college but where?” All of his children have college or advanced degrees: Boyd (Susie), Betty (Jim), John (Jackie), Anne (Karl), Stephen (deceased) (Colleen) and Deb (Bruce). His grandchildren also have attained college degrees: Andy (Beth), David (Manuela), JB, Nick, Dan, Will, Katie (Michael), Paul (deceased), Stephen and Camille. We are confident that great grandchildren will continue pursuing higher education: Kelsey, Tess, Chloe, Lulu, Max and Walter. Evelyn’s children who beautifully blended into our family are David (Pat), Marilyn (Rich) and Tim (Judy). Cecil was a life-long learner himself becoming a perfectionist at plumbing, carpentry and electrical work by enhancing his “projects” with the most modern equipment and designs.
He retired at the age of 67 but did not retire from life continuing to live his life to the fullest. In his 70’s he began writing his autobiography, A Beautiful Life, which was published in 2008. He traveled the world visiting World’s Fairs, family reunions and celebrations, and excursions to Europe and all parts of the United States.
Another value that Cecil lived daily was his dedication and passion for community service. As a member of the Englewood Rotary club for over 46 years, he actively participated in supporting foreign exchange students, students pursuing college and community service projects.
He truly lived “A Beautiful Life” and will continue to be our inspiration for living life honorably, passionately, with commitment to education and zest for life. As Cecil often said, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!”
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Englewood Rotary Scholarship Fund care of:
Mr. Don Loyd
7475 E. Peakview Ave. Building 10
Centennial, Co 80111
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18