Carl Robert Watkins

Carl Robert Watkins, 75, of Las Animas passed away on December 27, 2016 at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center in La Junta, after a courageous battle with spinal cancer. He was born on August 22, 1941 in Millville, Pennsylvania to Robert W. & Lois E. (Phillips) Watkins.

At a very young age the family moved to Las Animas, where he grew up and attended school. In 1960 he joined the U.S. Army. He attended Basic Training at Fort Carson and upon completion of this training he was assigned to Bamberg, Germany where he met the love of his life, Josephine Druck.

Carl was a Construction Specialist, Demolition Specialist, Drill Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Operations Sergeant and a Battalion Commander Sergeant Major. He served in the United States, Germany, Korea and Vietnam. Upon retirement he had several jobs, including working for the Department of Veterans Affairs at Fort Lyon for seven years, he also served on the Las Animas City Council as Mayor Pro-Tem. He also spent four years managing the family ranch. Carl and Josie loved to travel and they visited 43 of our United States.

Carl’s military awards include the Bronze Star Metal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Good Conduct Medal with 7 awards; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; NCO Development Medal with 2 ; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; and Drill Sergeant’s Identification Badge.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Josephine of the Las Animas home; brother, Charles (Donna) Watkins of Colorado Springs; brother-in-law, Tom Coffield of Cheraw; step-brother, Melvin Kenworthy of Halstead, KS; nephews, Tom (Regina) Coffiield, Mark (Irene) Coffield, Jason (Kim) Watkins; niece, Sandy (Forest) Sandburg, Tammy (Jim) Collins, Micah (Larry) Benson and numerous great-nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Watkins; mother, Lois E. (Phillips) Kenworthy; step-father, Maurice Kenworthy; sister, Darlene Coffield; step-sister, Maureen Wedel of KS.

As per Carl’s request cremation has taken place and services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the VFW, Post 2411, 318 3rd Street, Las Animas, CO 81054 direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.