Harold Lee Watkins

Harold Lee Watkins, 77, of Eufaula, passed away on February 6, 2014 in Eufaula, Oklahoma. Harold was born on November 21, 1936 in Eufaula, Oklahoma to Otis. Lee and Effie Bell (Crowell) Watkins. He was raised in the Mellette Community. Harold attended Mellette Schools and Eufaula High School. On July 14, 1956, he married Lora Jean Hood, who preceded him in death on November 24, 1984. In 1957, Harold and Lora moved to Bakersfield, California, where they lived until 1979. They returned back to Mellette, where Harold spent the rest of his life. Harold spent his early years farming. He went on to spend over thirty years working in the oilfields, from working on rigs to company supervisor. After returning to Oklahoma in 1979, he started his own business L&H Well Supervison Company, a roustabout and oil and gas well service company. While living in California, Harold bowled on a semi-pro level. He was also an avid open league softball player that loved to play. Harold played softball for over twenty years. He also played AAA Baseball as a young man. He was an excellent pool player and won many tournaments. Harold loved to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed visiting and drinking coffee with friends at Mission Acres Store. He later had friends stop by his home to visit and drink coffee with him. Harold dedicated many years helping oversee the care and improvements of the Mellette Cemetery. He worked to raise funds and to build an arbor at the cemetery. Harold was an honest, hardworking family man. His greatest joys were his four grandchildren and three great grandsons. He took care of his grandkids when they were young. Harold enjoyed every minute of it. He was "Papa" to many kids. Harold took great pride watching his grandson, Wayne play football and baseball. He loved family gatherings. His family was always his first priority. Survivors include: son: Mike Watkins and wife, Angie, of Eufaula, OK; daughters: Deneisa Calvert and husband, Lloyd, of Eufaula, OK; Elisa "Petey" McGuire, of Eufaula, OK; grandchildren: Melanie Powell and husband, Chris; Sabrena Watkins and husband, Louis Calidonio; Tara McGuire and husband, Omar Sanchez; granddaughter in-law, Leeah Calvert; great grandsons: Cole Calvert, Chase Powell, and Kobe Goodman; and two nephews: Ryan and Brent Hood, who grew up close to their Uncle Harold and a dear friend Cathy Burleson, they enjoyed many good times together. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lora Jean; grandson, Wayne Calvert; half-brothers: Al Grider, Leonard Grider, and Henry Grider and Lorn Grider; sisters: Pearl Shirley and Dorothy Robak.