Cameron E. Watkins

Niles – Cameron E. Watkins, Jr., 85, formerly of Benton Harbor, passed away early on Monday, November 5, 2012, at Lakeland Hospital in Niles. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 11:00, on Friday, November 9, at the First Church of the Nazarene, 3351 Niles Road, in St. Joseph, with Pastor J. Dean Pickett officiating. Burial will follow at Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00, Thursday evening, at the Fairplain Chapel of Florin Funeral Service, 1053 E. Napier, in Benton Harbor. Memorials may be made to the Activities Fund at Westwoods Nursing Facility of Niles. Messages of condolence may be sent to www.florin.net. Cameron was born October 13, 1927 in Sandoval, Illinois to Cameron E., Sr. and Minnie Watkins. He was a part-time semi truck driver before he married Ruth Lorraine Fairbanks on May 2, 1953. Cameron worked for Paramount Die Cast for over 27 years prior to his retirement. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in St. Joseph. He will be remembered for being a “loving father” and for always willing to help those in need. In his leisure time, Cameron enjoyed detailing his car, watching Western and action movies, support his bowling team at Blossom Lanes, and listening to Big Band and Male Quartet music. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Most of all, Cameron cherished and adored his wife and family – particularly with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Cameron is survived by his wife, Ruth, of over 60 years; daughter, Janet (Michael) Freeman of Benton Harbor; son, Richard (Erica) Watkins of Niles; grandchildren, Jennifer Johnson of Pontiac, MI, Jessica Johnson of Novi, MI, Joshua (Danielle) Johnson of San Diego, CA and Christopher Watkins of Niles; great-grandchildren, Destiny, Kamryn, Denois, Eligah, and Jayla; and by his siblings, Wilma Halburg of Davenport, IA, Mary Collins of Benton Harbor, Esther (Carl) Kuyatt of Sodus, Gary Watkins of Benton Harbor, Donna Johns of Eau Claire, and Robert Watkins of Benton Harbor; and by numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Cameron was preceded in death by his sons, John and James Watkins, his brothers Arnold and Claron Watkins, and by his step-mother, Vivian Watkins.

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Cameron E. Watkins

October 13, 1927 - November 5, 2012