Col. Harry C. Watkins (USAFRes) passed away peacefully Feb. 18, 2004 at the Shelter Pointe Nursing home. Harry was born Sept. 4, 1923 in Corbin, Ky. With his typical sense of humor, he used to say: "I lived at Third and Plum -- third hill over and plum down in the holler."

Harry served with the 1058th Engineers during WW2 in both the European and Pacific theaters. He was recalled to active duty, both during the Korean War and the Berlin Crisis. He served as a Reserve Officer with the 100th Division of the Army, 302nd Troop Carrier Wing (AFRES) and 14th Air Force (RES).

Harry was a Shriner and a member of the Lions Club, Toastmasters Club of America and American Duplicate Bridge Assn.; also a Life Member of the 100th Division, Buckeye Wing Assn. and R.O.A. He was also a proud member of The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, appointed by Governor Breathitt.

Harry is survived by a large family, who all loved, respected and adored him: his wife, Ruth, stepchildren David Parks, Christine Parks and Timothy Parks, granddaughters Brette Taylor and Summer Parks, sister Virginia Turnblazer, brother Herman, and many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Harry was preceded in death by his brother Earl.

Harry is at rest in Arlington Memorial Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Memorial contributions suggested to the American Red Cross.