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Lelan Dan Watkins, 89, of Huntsville; passed away Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Veterans Administration Hospital in Fayetteville. He was born Tuesday, May 26, 1936, at Fayetteville; to Isaac and Ruby Lea Hall Watkins. On Friday, June 26, 1964, at Drakes Creek, Lelan married the love of his life, Wilma Sue Williams. Together they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with two children, Lyndall and Kathy. He worked at EPC as a supervisor for several years before going to work for the Huntsville School District as a Maintenance Man and was a devoted member of the Church of Christ for 57 years. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and spent a year in Korea. He had many fond memories of his time in the service. Lelan had a deep love for music, especially playing the guitar and singing, and he found great joy in spending time outdoors. Whether he was fishing, gardening and sharing his harvest, or hunting ginseng, he was happiest close to nature. Always busy with his hands, he could build just about anything—though his birdhouses and windmills were a true specialty. Known for his wonderful sense of humor, positive spirit, and encouraging words, Lelan brightened the lives of those around him. He loved visiting with friends, and his greatest joy was the time he spent with his family, whom he cherished deeply. Lelan was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Ruby Watkins He is survived by his wife, Wilma Watkins of the home; one son and daughter-in-law, Lyndall and Melissa Watkins of Huntsville; one daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Kim Williams of Huntsville; one brother, John Watkins of Huntsville; four sisters and three brothers-in-law, Lela and Robert Harriman, Letha and Max Clark, Glenda Clark all of Huntsville, and Linda and Lonnie Clark of Combs. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Haley and Shane Jordan, Hanna Williams, and Holly Hernandez; and five great-grandchildren, Ava Hernandez, Bennett Jordan, Ayden Hernandez, Amos Hernandez, and Barrett Jordan. Funeral Service will be 2:00 PM, Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Brashears Funeral Home with Glen Thomas officiating. Pallbearers will be Kim Williams, Tim Clark, Dan Boling, Keith Watkins, Caden Watkins, and Isaac Watkins. Interment will immediately follow services at Drakes Creek Cemetery, Wesley, AR. Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

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Lelan Dan Watkins

May 26, 1936 - September 25, 2025