slideshow

Logan County’s Third District Magistrate, Curtis Watkins, died at his home Monday, May 7 after a long battle with cancer. He was 71.

Watkins was a popular magistrate having served consecutively in that position since 1998. He leaves behind his wife Carol and his children Rob, Larry and Amy.

“I considered Curtis a great friend. He was a person I could look to for advise through the years. Curtis is going to be missed,” said Judge/Executive Logan Chick, who unofficially met Watkins near a fence row while hunting in Homer in 1972. Chick said he has been his friend ever since, having worked together for 29 years at Houchens where Watkins was the meat manager and Chick was general manager of three stores.

Watkins was born and grew up in Logan County, graduated from Olmstead High School, then spent four years in the Air Force as a jet mechanic, having served during the Vietnam conflict in Okinawa. He retired from Houchens Markets after 29 years and worked part-time for Kraft Foods for 15 years as a sales representative. He was a member of the Lions Club, the Logan County Chamber of Commerce, the Logan County Cattlemen’s Club, and served on the executive board of the Shawnee Trails Boy scout Council. He and his family are members of Post Oak Baptist Church.

“I don’t know any other person that cares as much about the people he served than Curtis,” said Chick.

“I’ve lost a dear friend,” said fellow Magistrate Thomas Bouldin. “Curtis was the perfect example of a man who lived his life giving service at all times. He gave service through his military career for his country, he gave service to his community through working at Houchens and gave service to his county as magistrate. He is a good example for us all to follow. I will miss him greatly.”

Watkins was serving in his fourth term as magistrate with two more years left. The vacancy will be filled by the governor after each political party makes a nomination. According to Logan County Clerk Scottie Harper, the individual who is selected to fill the third district seat will have to file with other candidates interested in the seat by Aug. 14 to run for the position in the general election to be held Nov. 6, 2012.

If a vacancy occurs in any elective office less than 134 days before the primary or at any time after the primary, but not less than three months before the regular election, independent, or political organization, or political group candidates may file their petitions at the time and place provided in KRS 118.365, subject to the restrictions concerning party registration and candidacy provided in KRS 118.315 (1).

Summers, Kirby and Sanders are handling the funeral arrangements. Visitation will be held Friday, May 11 at 2 p.m. with service beginning at 5 p.m. at Post Oak Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery.