Charles Wedley Watkins

 Charles Wedley Watkins, affectionally known as Chuck, was born on December 6, 1942 to Henry Lee and Charlesetta Watkins in Des Moines, Iowa. He went through school in Des Moines graduating from Des Moines Tech in 1961. He enlisted in the Army in November of 1961 doing basic at Ft Carson, Colorado. Following basic training he was stationed in Orleans, France. When De Gaulle booted the US out of France his next post was in Stuttgart, Germany. He was honorably discharged from the Army in November of 1964 as a Spec5 and returned stateside to an inactive status for one year. 

 On October 31, 1965, Charles met his future wife, Susan, at a mutual friend’s wedding. He then entered the Air Force on January 20, 1966. Charles and Susan were married by Reverend Ohlwein on January 27, 1966 at his home. They were stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, AZ. Six months later he received orders for Korat Royal Thai AFB in Thailand. Here he would serve 12 months. Charles was then stationed at Dover AFB, Dover, DE until January 20, 1970. He worked at the base in household goods as a civilian until he accepted a position with Neptune World Wide Moving in Elk Grove Village, IL. He worked for Neptune until March of 1975 when He and Susan moved back to Dover, DE. While in the Chicago area he joined the AF Reserves at O'Hare. Once back in Delaware, there was an opening for him to join the 46th APS to continue his reserve duties. The 46th APS, were the first reserve unit activated for Desert Storm/Desert Shield to move supplies to support the first Gulf War. Charles retired from the Reserves as an E-7, Master Sergeant, in April of 1998 after thirty-three years of service and two wars. 

 Charles was proud to have served his country, saying he would do it all over again. Charles and Susan moved back to Iowa in April of 2015, settling in Spencer. Charles worked for Walmart in the Deli and as a greeter. He loved being a greeter and meeting people. He was a people person, who lived his life treating people as he wished to be treated.

 He also worked for a short time at Hy Vee until medical problems prevented him from working.

 Charles was also a National Roller-Skating Champion in 1999. His skates were lost in the flood of June ‘24 only to be found at the entrance of St Luke's Drive without a drop of water in that tote. He was so happy they were found and in good shape.

 Charles was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Michael, Tommy and Al. 

 He is survived by his wife Sue, of 58 years, his sisters: Alice Frances Lincoln of Bettendorf and Stephene Watkins of Des Moines. He is also survived by many great and great-great nieces and nephews; many cousins and friends he met over the years. 

You can watch the funeral service by clicking on the link:

https://www.spencersacredheart.com/funerals