Keith Watkins, 77 of Eastland, passed away Monday January 24, 2022. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5th, at the First United Methodist Church in Eastland.
Keith was born February 28, 1944 in Gorman, Tx to Jack Watkins and Clauda Mae (Anderson) Watkins. He grew up in the Cross Plains area where he graduated high school in 1962. He received a BS in Business from Tarleton State University in 1965 and went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Education and his Superintendents Certification. He married the love of his life, Sue Cantwell, on July 14, 1972 in Cross Plains. She preceded him in death on September 29, 2019. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Don Watkins.
Keith became Principal of Eastland High School during the 1979-1980 school year, and served as Superintendent from 1985-2000.
He was Past President of the Eastland Retired Teachers Association, and on the Board of Directors Region 14 Educational Service Center. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Eastland and was a member of the Eastland Masonic Lodge #467 for 51 years, where he was a Past Master, served as Treasurer, and had received the Golden Trowel Award. He received the Golden Deed Award from the Eastland Chamber of Commerce in 2003.
Survivors include a brother, Terry Watkins; numerous cousins, and countless friends and former students who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Keith’s name may be made to; Cross Plains Senior Citizens Center, PO Box 144, Cross Plains, Tx 76443, or to the Keith Watkins Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Eastland Masonic Lodge, PO Box 451, Eastland, Tx 76448.