Lawrence A. Watkins, 100, New Paris, died 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, at his residence.

He was born March 28, 1915, to Howard & Cecil (Mullen) Watkins in Turkey Creek Township, Kosciusko County.

He married Ruth (Delauter) Watkins on Oct. 1, 1939, in North Manchester and she died June 23, 2012.

Surviving are daughters: Barbara (Ron) Brookins, New Paris; and Carole (Keith) Miller, Goshen; seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death are parents, wife:,Ruth; sisters: Helen Linn & Elizabeth Olsen and brothers, John and Chester Watkins.

Lawrence was a farmer and a carpenter. He also worked at Barler’s, Goshen, Studebaker Plant, South Bend and Liberty Coach, Syracuse.

He was a 1934 graduate of New Paris High School and a member of the Maple Grove Church of the Brethren. Lawrence was a faithful fan of the Elkhart County Fair, not having missed one in 76 years.

Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, 311 S. Main St., Goshen and one hour prior to the 10 a.m. funeral service Wednesday, Dec. 2,at Maple Grove Church of the Brethren, 20430 CR 46, New Paris. Rev. Mike Kauffman will officiate and burial will be in New Paris Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Maple Grove Church of the Brethren or IU Care at Home/Hospice