Major George Haddon Watkins, Jr.

Retired Army Major George Haddon Watkins, Jr., age 88, of Iola, Texas passed away December 3, 2022 at his home in Iola. A funeral service honoring his life will be held 11 A.M., Monday, December 12, 2022 at Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas with Bro. Glenn Connor, officiating. Major Watkins will be laid to rest at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

George Haddon Watkins, Jr. was born July 14, 1934 in Lubbock, Texas to George, Sr. and Edna (Ballew) Watkins. He joined the U.S. Army at an early age and served three tours in Vietnam. His first week in country was in Saigon for the Tet Offensive. Throughout his military career, George was awarded a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, an Army Commendation medal and a Meritorious Service medal, as well as CIB and awards for valor from the Republic of Vietnam.

George was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and had sponsored a family of twelve to escape Vietnam in the early 1970's. He was also an avid stamp collector and dealer and loved to read, especially his favorite genre, Westerns. George was most proud of his children and was a kind and gentle soul with strong beliefs and love for his family. His late wife always said, "You could build a house on him," because of those strong beliefs.

George was preceded in death by both of his parents; wives, Sieglinde G. Watkins and Patricia Green-Harris-Watkins and brother, William C. Watkins.

Surviving family members include children, Terence Watkins, Christina Watkins, Claudia Stinson (Stan) and Andrea Dean (Mike); grandchildren, Amanda Everett (Jessie), Jared Watkins, Emilie Watkins, Shane Stinson (Stacey), Casey Stinson, Michael Dean (Megan) and Sara Hans (Trey); great-grandchildren, Lillian Everett, Edward Lee Everett, Landry Stinson, Lacey Hans, Laney Hans and Lexie Hans; step-children, Charles Harris (Heather) and Alison Harris (Mel); step-grandchildren, Logan Harris and Natalie Harris , sister-in-law, Elena Watkins and daughter-in-law, Zhen Watkins, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.