Henry Bradley Watkins

Henry Bradley Watkins, age 80, of Iberia, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2013, at St. Mary's Health Center in Jefferson City. He was born in Springfield on November 3, 1932, son of the late Henry Patrick and Ruby Catherine (Haines) Watkins. On November 24, 1955, in Tuscumbia, Bradley married Joyce G. (Barr) Watkins, who preceded him in death on January 27, 2013. Bradley served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged back to civilian life in 1955. Bradley graduated from Iberia High School and continued his education at Warrensburg (CMSU) and continued at the University of Missouri before graduating with a Master degree in education from Lincoln University in Jefferson City. He was a teacher, starting his career in the small schools of Honey Springs and Miller School, before moving to Crocker public schools, where the annual end of school trip to St. Louis, Shriner's Circus, and Grants Farm and the zoo is still remembered today by his students of that time. Bradley moved to the Waynesville Schools and taught Sixth Grade for several years before retiring from teaching. Bradley continued to work into retirement at Tan-Tar-A and enjoyed his time there in convention setup and was a member of the Quarter Century Club with Marriott Hotels. He was an avid hunter and fisherman during his life, enjoying time in the woods and on the fishing poles. One successful hunting trip was for a very memorable honey bee raid for some delicious wild honey with Harvey Barr. Ever the outdoorsman, Bradley tended to want to try out all the wild game caught, he was luck to have an experienced cook in the family for just such adventure, Lottie Barr would take on any game he thought should be prepared from possum to frog legs. Not saying Bradley would not try his hand at unusual cooking fare, including cooking snapping turtle and crawdads for his family. He is survived by one daughter, Valerie Watkins of Jefferson City; one son, Bruce Watkins and wife Jayme of Independence; two grandchildren, Zachary Watkins and fiancÈe Amanda Ross of Hays, Kansas and Rhiannon Watkins and husband Eduardo Fernandez of Santiago, Chile. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with services immediately following at 1 p.m., on Wednesday, July 31, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Interment with military honors will be in Hickory Point Cemetery near Iberia. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hickory Point Cemetery. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.