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From the Hawarden Independent published at Hawarden, Iowa.
January 10, 1924
F. E. WATKINS
The funeral of F. E. WATKINS, whose death occurred at his home at Waurika, Oklahoma on Jan. 2nd, was held Sunday afternoon at the Associated Church and was largely attended. The remains, accompanied by Mrs. Watkins, Mr. and Mrs. MILO WATKINS, and W. Y. DILLY, reached Hawarden early Saturday morning and were taken to the Sumner undertaking parlors where they rested until shortly before the funeral hour Sunday. Mr. Watkins’ daughter, Mrs. BOLTON LOVE, also arrived from Easton, Pennsylvania, Saturday for the funeral. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. GEORGE BRAY of Alton, long time friend of the Watkins family, while T. J. REEVES of Orange City gave the Masonic burial services, members of the Masonic order attending the funeral in a body. Mrs. JAMES W. SUMNER sang three beautiful solos as part of the service. At the close of the church service, the remains were conveyed to Grace Hill Cemetery where interment was made.
A more complete account of the death of Mr. Watkins than the Independent was able to give last week, together with the following obituary, is taken from the Waurika, Oklahoma News-Democrat of Jan. 4th:
FRED EUGENE WATKINS, prominent land owner and oil producer of southern Oklahoma, died at his home in Waurika at 2 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, passing out suddenly and before medical aid could be summoned. Mr. Watkins had not been in good health for several years, being troubled with a heart affection that was aggravated more or less by bronchial trouble. He was taken with a coughing spell a few minutes before his death, which attracted the attention of his good wife, who went at once to his assistance and called the doctor. The doctor reached his bedside just as he was passing out.
Mr. Watkins had been feeling well for some time and had taken more than the usual interest in the various activities of the holiday season among the set in which he moved. He took a long car drive Sunday and was down town Monday and Tuesday, greeting many of his friends and business associates.
Brief funeral services were conducted from the family home in Waurika Thursday by Rev. MAX STRANG, pastor of the Methodist Church, after which the body was escorted to the Rock Island depot by members of the Masonic fraternity, where it was placed aboard the northbound train to be taken to the old family home at Hawarden, Iowa for burial. The remains were accompanied by the widow, Mrs. Watkins, MILO WATKINS and wife, and W. Y. DILLEY.
FRED EUGENE WATKINS was born at Strawberry Point, Iowa April 8, 1859 and with his father, was one of the pioneer settlers of western Iowa. In early manhood he moved to Hawarden in northwest Iowa, where he engaged in banking and was for many years president and active manager of the First National Bank of Hawarden.
Mr. Watkins resided at Hawarden during the greater part of his more active business life and it was here that he made his reputation as one of the leading business men of the country. He had a strong financial mind and has conducted large financial interests. He has always led a most active life and while he suffered much from heart trouble during his last years, yet he was active to the last and gave his personal attention to much of his business.
He came with his family to Oklahoma in 1908 and has lived in Waurika the greater part of the time. He came to the new state just as restrictions were being removed from the Indian lands and bought thousands of acres in the southern part of the state, the greater part in Jefferson, Stephens, Carter, and Love counties. He built houses on much of his land and improved it in other ways. Much of this land he owned personally at the time of his death and in the other in which he held an interest.
When the great Healdton oil field was opened, he bought lands in and around the field and soon became an oil producer, being one of the organizers and vice president of the Iowa Oil and Refining Company
In 1886 he was married to Miss FLORA ELLEN DILEY of Storm Lake, Iowa, and to this union two children were born, MILO D. WATKINS of Healdton, who is secretary of the Iowa Oil and Refining Company, and FLORENCE, now Ms. BOLTON J. LOVE of Easton, PA. Mrs. Love was wired the news of her father’s death Wednesday morning and will join the funeral party at Hawarden. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a Knight Templar, a Shriner, a member of the E. P., the B.P.O.E., Modern Woodmen and other organizations.
Following the funeral and burial, Mrs. Watkins will return to Waurika to make her home for the present.
May 6, 1948
Mrs. Watkins Dies at Age 80
Mrs. FRED E. WATKINS, 80, an early day resident of Hawarden, died last Thursday, April 29, at Hollywood, Florida.
The body was cremated and the ashes will be brought to Haverton. Funeral services will be held at the Barnard Funeral Home at 2:30 Wednesday afternoon, Mary 12. MILO WATKINS and Mr. and Mrs. B. L. LOVE of Hollywood, Florida and W. Y. DILLEY of Waurika, Oklahoma will come to Hawarden for the services.
Mrs. Watkins came to Hawarden in 1888 who had purchased the controlling interest in the First State Bank, later the First National Bank.
During her residence in Hawarden, Mrs. Watkins took a great deal of interest in the church, social, and civic affairs. She was a member of the Congregational Church, Eastern Star chapter, Pythian Sisters, and Good Templars. She was a charter member of the Mutual Improvement Club.
In 1908, she, with her family, went to Waurika, Oklahoma. In Waurika, she was also active in social and church affairs. During the last 25 years, she traveled extensively. Since 1944 she made her home with her children, spending summers in Virginia and winters in Florida.
FLORA DILLEY was born in Washington, D.C. March 3, 1868. After her marriage to F. E. WATKINS, she came to Hawarden, living here 20 years. She moved to Waurika, Oklahoma with her family in 1908, living there until 1944.
Her husband died January 2, 1924. Survivors are a daughter, Mrs. B. LOVE of Orlean, Virginia, a son MILO D. WATKINS of Hollywood, Florida, a brother, W. Y. DILLEY of Waurika, Oklahoma who was a former Hawarden resident, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
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