Dan Conley Watkins, JR.

Dan Conley Watkins, Jr., age 60, of Grapeland, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, the 6th day of April 2021.  Mr. Watkins was born on the 31st day of August 1960, in Palestine, Texas, to parents Dan C. Watkins and Marion Ward Watkins.

Upon graduating from high school, Mr. Watkins served our country as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force from 1978 to 1982, earning several medals.  After returning home from the service, he began his career of 28 years starting with the Palestine Police Department and later went to work for Anderson County Sheriff’s Department.  Mr. Watkins then proceeded to work for the road commission, where he remained a deputy reserve.  During this time, he also earned his master’s degree in Theology from Louisiana Missionary Baptist Institute and Seminary in 2000.  Mr. Watkins was always serving others and shining his light as he devoted much of his time to his fellow citizens in the ministry, preaching and teaching the Word of God.  Before his passing, Mr. Watkins earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2021 and served as the interim pastor at Sandflat Baptist Church.     

Mr. Watkins is preceded in death by his parents Dan and Marion Watkins and brother, Johnny Watkins.

Mr. Watkins greatly loved his family, especially his grandchildren.  He leaves behind his loving wife of 38 years, Lee Watkins; daughters, Dana Douglas and husband James of Slocum, Jessica Robinson and husband Jay of Lovelady; son, Cody Salmon and wife Emma of Palestine; brother, Larry Watkins and wife Kim of Groesbeck.  He is also survived by his precious grandchildren, Harli Douglas, Conner Kennon, Hanna Douglas, Colt Salmon and Evelyn Salmon.

A funeral service to celebrate Mr. Watkins’ life is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon, on Saturday, the 10th day of April 2021, at Muse Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Mike Wilkes, Bro. Jamie Hogan, and Bro. Don Moore officiating.  Interment with Military Honors will follow in Denson Springs Cemetery.

Friends are cordially invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of service at Muse Missionary Baptist Church.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Derrick Pursley, Donny Pursley, Jackie Ray, Larry Warrick, John Whittenbaugh and Lenny Hoag.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Windham, Charles Isaacs, Ray Pursley, Charles Connor, and John Wright.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be directed towards Louisiana Missionary Baptist Seminary, 102 Seminary Lane, Minden, Louisiana 71055.

Funeral services for Dan Conley Watkins, Jr. are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.  

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