Elmer Wayne "E.W." Watkins

Elmer Wayne “E.W.” Watkins, 84, of Jonesboro, died Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. He had lived in the Jonesboro area most of his life. Elmer was of the Baptist belief. E. W. was the ninth and final child born to Joseph Cleveland and Sylvia Ann Watkins on March 15, 1929, at the family farm in Caraway. Due to the death of his father in 1932 and continued poor economic times, Elmer had to leave his 9th grade year of school and tend to the farm. He grew up being a self-proclaimed “Jack of all trades and Master of none.” That was a very meager assessment for a man who was proficient at welding, carpentry, plumbing, automotive repair, and just about anything he set his mind to try. Elmer’s main trade was sales and he worked as a real estate broker for nearly fifty years. During that time he also owned and operated a Cessna Skyhawk. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing and stimulating conversations but his favorite hobby was cooking. Elmer had the opportunity to work in several restaurants and would regularly cook for parties of 30 or more people. Many times he was asked was he a good cook, and his reply was always, “I’m not the best cook in town; I am the very best!” Elmer was an active member of the Caraway Masonic Lodge for over 60 years, a 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner. He was preceded in death by one son, Harold Watkins; grandson, Adam Watkins; three brothers, and five sisters.

Survivors include sons, John Watkins; Jim Watkins (Pam) and Eric Watkins; daughters, Luci Murray (Jim); Brenda Zolper (Dennis) and Mary Lou Watkins all of Jonesboro; 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, February 15, 2014 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Matt Johnson officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Burial will follow at Caraway Cemetery with family serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Tommy Sutton, Blake Watkins and Alan Ward. Visitation will be Friday night at Emerson Memorial Chapel from 5-7.

For lasting memorials, please consider the First Baptist Church, 215 E. Kentucky Street, Caraway, Arkansas, 72419. These much needed funds will be used to help rebuild the church after the recent tornado. To sign an online registry, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.