Melvin (Mel) C. Watkins 86 (May 23, 1925 - September 27, 2011) was the loving husband of the late Mary Ann Watkins (nee Zaworska) and the late Patricia Peters (nee Nettle); adored father of Susan Ann Watkins; treasured stepfather of Susan Patrice (Daniel) Mullen; dear step-grandfather of Kelly Mullen and Kristen (Jon) Jarboe; dear brother of the late Oliver A. Watkins and Bessie Watkins; special brother-in-law to Gertrude Wagner and Emma Zaworska of Baltimore, MD.; dear cousin and friend.  Melvin and his wife were residents of Florissant, Missouri.  Melvin was a retired engineer from the Glen L. Martin Company and the Mc Donnell Douglas Corporation (Boeing Corporation).  A longtime patron of and volunteer for the arts, he remained active in the Florissant Fine Arts Council and the Hawthorne Players for many years, holding leadership positions within each at various points. Throughout his life he participated in many organizations including the Valley Players, the PTA, the Eagles, SAR, and Florissant's Tuesday Club.  Mel joined the SAR on August 30, 2000.  In later years, it was his delight to sing at nursing homes, piano bars and the UMSL Community Chorus.  Melvin also had a passion for genealogy.  Born to deaf parents, Mel's first language was sign language. Mel will most be remembered for the sparkle in his dancing blue eyes and the infectious optimism that carried him though a four-year journey with cancer.  Visitation was held on Friday, September 30, 2011 from 4-8 p.m. at Hutchens Mortuary, 675 Graham Road, Florissant with a Funeral Service at 7:00 p.m. Friday.  Interment was private at the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Florissant, MO.  Contributions were requested to be made to the Florissant Fine Art Council or Hawthorne Players.

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Mel will be greatly missed.

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