WATKINS, Walter Elvis

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 07/17/2015 Walter Elvis Watkins, 80, died Sunday, July 12, 2015, at his home in Eagar. He was born Dec. 24, 1934, in Chama, N.M., the son of Elvis Lenwood and Frances Margaret Hughes Watkins. Walter served his country in the U.S. Army after the Korean War. He was a mechanic and logger. He was always a loving, supportive father and was the best example of unconditional love and forgiveness. Walter is survived by his son, Walter Watkins II of Fort Lupton, Colo.; daughters Natalie Garcia of Hatch, N.M., Melody Braun of Florence, Colo., and Lorrie Rogers of Springerville; brothers Archie Watkins and Bill Watkins; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Violet Jewel Fuentes Watkins; his parents; and brothers Jim Watkins, Harvey Watkins and Thomas Watkins. Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. (New Mexico time) Friday, July 17, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Luna Chapel of Luna, N.M., with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the services at the Luna Cemetery. If you would like to leave an online condolence for Walter’s family, visit www.burnhammortuary.com.