Thomas Rudolph Watkins, 74, of Murray died Jan. 15, 2009 at his residence.

He was born in Logan County May 24, 1934, a son of the late Earl Gordon Watkins and Mary Louise Robertson Watkins. In addition to his parents, Mr. Watkins was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Watkins; and his grandson, Randy L. Walter.

Mr. Watkins owned and operated Watkins Excavating Company in Harrison, Ind. He was also the co-owner of Up 2 Grade Excavating Company in Murray. He was a Christian and was a member of the Saylor Park Masonic Lodge in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a Kentucky Colonel and a Shriner. He was also a United States Army veteran.

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 19 at J. H. Churchill Funeral Home with Reverend Jason Jones officiating.

He is survived by his wife, Flora “Sib” Watkins of Murray; his daughters, Gail Ann and husband Rick Walter of Harrison, Ind., Amy Denise and husband Dwain McKinney and Mary K. and husband Steve Stallins, all of Murray; his sons, David Michael Watkins and Kenneth Earl and wife Debbie Watkins, all of Harrison, Ind., and Paul Edward and wife Alma Watkins of Ocala, Fla.; his sister, Sally and husband Warner Hobbs of Lawrenceburg, Ind.; his brothers, George and wife Mary Ann Watkins of Blanchester, Ohio and Randall and wife Janice Watkins of Russellville; his grandchildren, Tom, Billy, Jesse, Kenny and Kristen Watkins, Ryan Walter, Alycia Janow, ShaeLea and Ashtin McKinney and Shelby and Emma Stallins; his great-grandchildren, Keely, Autry, Sydney and Vincent Watkins, and several nieces and nephews.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital 1900 Richmond Road, Lexington, Ky. 40502.