Joseph L. Watkins - TFT President 1987 - 2002

Joseph (Joe) L. Watkins, 88, of Lafayette, passed away at 7:50 pm, Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at Creasy Springs Health Campus. 

Joe is asleep in Christ, awaiting resurrection. We look forward to our time together with him again, in the heavens far above all heavens.

Born August 25, 1927 in Lafayette, he was the son of the late Lewis and Ethel (Downs) Watkins. Joe also honorably served in the United States Army. 

His first marriage was to Betty L. Davis on June 23, 1943 in Lafayette and she preceded him in death. He later married Marjorie Ruth Kayser on May 24, 1987 in California and she survives. 

Joe was self-employed as a developer and builder, retiring in 2001. He developed Watkins Glen Subdivision and was past President of Truth for Today Ministries from 1986 - 2002. Joe enjoyed golfing and traveling, especially enjoying his trips to Israel, Hawaii, France, and Switzerland. 

Surviving with his wife, Marjorie Watkins, are his children, Roger A. Watkins (wife: Jean) and Adina Dyer (husband: Grant), both of Lafayette; siblings, Minnie Spurgeon of Lafayette and Myrtle Garrison of Watseka, IL; four grandchildren; and several great grandchildren. 

Preceding him in death with his parents and first wife is a son, Terry Watkins, and nine siblings.

Joe was dedicated to the Word of Truth Rightly Divided as set forth in Scripture:

2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

Philippians 1:10 “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.”