Carl Watkins

Rev. Carl R. Watkins, 99, of Granite City, Illinois, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 5:09 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville.

Born August 3, 1926, in Burnt Prairie, Illinois, a son of the late Shannon and Martha (Jones) Watkins. He spent the early part of his life on a farm near Carmi. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior in 1949 and two years later was called to preach.

He was a graduate of University High School in Carbondale and later received a Bachelor degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and his Master’s Degree in Religious Education from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas.

He married the love of his life, Betty Jane (Wise) Watkins on August 7, 1948, at the Big Ridge Baptist Church in Harrisburg and she survives. Pastor Watkins served many churches throughout Southern Illinois, Ft. Worth, Texas area, and here in the Granite City community with over 50 years of service. He had also served as a Director of Missions with the Madison County Baptist Association. After retirement, he continued serving as an interim pastor for various churches. He also enjoyed working as an assistant with Irwin Chapel in Granite City and was known as the Lawnmower man in Granite City, always buying and selling lawnmowers. Carl will be remembered for his gentle nature, warm smile and love for his Lord. He cherished his family, enjoyed reading western books and his daily coffee break.

In addition to his beloved wife of 77 years, he is survived by a son, Mark Watkins of Granite City; daughter and son-in-law, Carla and Tim Elliott of Granite City; three grandchildren and their spouses, Steven and Jayme Elliott, Melissa and Ryan Stice and Daniel and Chastina Elliott, all of Granite City; five great grandchildren, Jake Elliott, Drew Elliott, Henry Stice, Anderson Stice and Ayden Holden; brother-in-law, Tom Gibbons of Mt. Carmel; nieces and nephews; other extended family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a great granddaughter, Molly Stice; sister, Shannon Sue Gibbons and a brother and sister-in-law, Mac and Delta Rae Watkins.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. where a funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025. Rev. Dr. Robert Burton and Rev. Dr. Tom Hufty will officiate.

Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Maryville to support the Missions Fund.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home