Kermit Watkins

Kermit N. Watkins, age 89 of Argyle, WI passed away Friday, January 8, 2016 at Aster Assisted Living in Monroe. He was born January 12, 1926 in Argyle the son of Clarence and Clara (Nelson) Watkins. While attending high school, Kermit worked at Bub's Filling Station in Argyle. He graduated from Argyle High School in 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp on December 21, 1943 just shy of his 18th birthday. He went into active service on June 24, 1944 following his graduation from high school and was honorably discharged on November 2, 1945. While in active duty, Kermit spent time at Blackland Field and Sheppard Field in Texas, Scott Field and Fort Sheridan in Illinois, and Truax Field in Wisconsin all while attending school to become a navigator. After his return from duty he started working with his dad remodeling and building homes. Kermit built over 50 homes and did numerous remodeling projects in the Argyle area, retiring almost 50 years later. Kermit starting dating Phyllis B. Wang after a dance at Turner Hall in Monroe. They were united in marriage on August 18, 1951 at East Wiota Lutheran Church in Wiota Township, Wisconsin. They shared over 64 beautiful years together. Kermit is survived by his wife Phyllis of Argyle, his children: Diane (Randall) Martin and William "Bill" (Lisa) Watkins both of Argyle, four grandchildren: Matthew Martin, Michelle (Josh) Smith, Rachael Watkins, and Brandon Watkins; two great-grandchildren: Danielle and Payton Martin; one sister: Sandra Rowedder of The Villages, FL; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Raymond, Clayton, and Robert Watkins; and four sisters: Cora Anderson, Gladys Gordon, Ardis Larson, and Roberta Skattum. Kermit was a member of Argyle Lutheran Church and Argyle American Legion Post #251. He was one of the original seven owners of the Norseman Supper Club in Argyle. Kermit was a former member of the Argyle Fire Department and served on the Argyle School Board at the time the elementary school was built. He enjoyed going out to eat, visiting with friends, and eating breakfast at Irma's. Kermit took an interest in old cars, especially their 1957 Ford Thunderbird, and also loved collecting and repairing old clocks. He was an avid Green Bay Packer, Wisconsin Badger, and Milwaukee Brewer fan. Kermit will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, January 15, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Argyle Lutheran Church (100 East Street, Argyle) with Rev. Daniel L. Bohlman officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery where military graveside rites will be accorded by Argyle American Legion Post #251. A visitation will be held Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Argyle Lutheran Church and from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M on Friday at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Kermit's name.