Valton Watkins

Valton Derwin Watkins passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 22, 2011. He has gone home to be with Jesus and the Angels. Val was born on August 5, 1922 in Winnsboro, TX to Lee and Lucille Waters Watkins.
Surviving are his wife Jean Watkins of Evensville, son Vernon Watkins of Amarillo, TX, sister Nita Jean Thornton of Vancouver, WA and niece Janice (Bart) Block of Wenatchee, WA.
Val graduated from high school when he was 16. His adventurous spirit compelled him to travel around the country before obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Tech. He served in the Navy during World War 11. Returning to civilian life in 1947, Val earned his Master’s Degree in electrical engineering from Southern Methodist University.
At Cape Canaveral, Val wrote test programs in the early days of the space program. Val retired from TVA after working at Sequoia and Watts Bar.
Val enjoyed square dancing, collecting mementos as he visited square dance clubs in all 50 states. Val had many plaques and other prizes from his participation in 26K races and marathons. Val loved working on his little farm in Evensville. He was just as adept at working the land as he was at complicated mathematical calculations.
Val epitomized “The Greatest Generation” for he possessed all the qualities that made his generation great. In addition to his wonderful sense of humor, Val was courageous, kind, supremely honest and decent in every way and he will be sadly missed, although we know he is in a better place now.
Graveside services for Val will be held Tuesday morning at 11:30 am at Chattanooga National Cemetery, followed by military honors.
Please share your memories of Mr. Watkins on his on-line guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com .
Arrangements by Vanderwall Funeral Home.