CHRIS WATKINS Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

WATKINS, Chris, age 63, of Lebanon, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly at home on April 1, 2022. He was born in Port Huron, Michigan on May 5, 1958. Chris served in the U.S. Air Force from 1982 to 1984. In Michigan he was employed for 18 years repairing production machinery at TI Fluid Systems: they make brake lines and other parts for the automobile industry. As an adult he attended St. Clair Community College in Port Huron, graduating as a Licensed Practical Nurse, and worked in a nursing home. On weekends, and any other day available, he enjoyed time with his daughter Cristina. They rode bicycles, went sledding, swimming and traveled to Cedar Point Amusement Park. After his Marriage to Elizabeth Steinle in 2009, he lived in Montcalm County, Michigan where he completed his associate degree at Montcalm Community College, and worked as a school bus driver for disabled children. He was recognized by his fellow drivers for his kindness to these children. Following Elizabeth's retirement, they moved to Ohio in 2015 to be near her family. Soon thereafter Chris sought out SHALOM, the homeless shelter program. As a volunteer he was present seven days a week from Thanksgiving until mid-March. On Sunday morning he attended services at First United Methodist Church. As a volunteer he attended their Monday morning breakfast. He was also a volunteer in several capacities at Dayton VA Medical Center. Chris was talented at repairing things, but his most genuine self was obvious in his nursing credentials and dedication to helping others. He was a member of the American Legion in Middletown. Chris is survived by his wife Elizabeth Steinle, daughter Cristina (John) Sharrow, brother Richard Severson, sisters Susie (Jim) Wismer, Patricia Allen-Murphy, and Julie Allen Gilbert; and many extended family and friends. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 120 S. Broad Street, Middletown, Ohio on Saturday June 4, 2022. Visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. Burial of cremated remains will be Monday June 6, 2022 at 10 a.m. at the Dayton National Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio. Memorial contributions in memory of Chris may be made to First United Methodist Church; a charity of your choice; or Voluntary Service at Veteran Administration Medical Center, Dayton, Ohio. If you choose to give to the Voluntary Service for the V.A. Medical Center, the instructions are: 1. Make check payable to Dayton VAMC, with memo “In Memory of Chris Watkins” for General Purpose Fund #8122. Address envelope to: Dayton VAMC, Attention: Voluntary Service, 4100 West Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45428 3. They will mail you a receipt. Arrangements by Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.herr-riggs.com

CHRIS WATKINS

May 5, 1958 - April 1, 2022