Edward M. Watkins

Staunton, VA… Edward M. Watkins, CLU passed away September 22, 2018 after a long battle with metastatic prostate cancer.  Ed was born on August 15, 1946 to Edward and Ruth Watkins in Arlington, VA.  He was a two-year starter for the W&L High School football team before graduating in 1964 and taking his talents to Frederick College in Portsmouth, VA.  While there he met and fell in love with Rita Wagner Watkins.  After graduating in 1968, he and Rita married August 17, 1968 and settled in the northern Virginia area.  He graduated the University of Maryland MBA program in 1970 and began his life’s work by joining Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company.  His long list of professional accomplishments include achieving Life Leaders, Life Masters, Blue-Chip Council and ELIF status, a 41-year membership in the MDRT, membership in the Show ‘n’ Tell National Study Group, and facilitating the merger of Connecticut Mutual and MassMutual Life Insurance companies as a member of the Agents’ Advisory Association. On August 17, 2018 Ed and Rita celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows and celebrating with family and friends.  The day was one of the happiest moments of his life.  Ed leaves behind his wife Rita Wagner Watkins, his children Kathleen (Pete) Shaw, Virginia (Darryl) Russo, Paul (Kerri) Watkins, Edward (Allison) Watkins, 10 grandchildren, and his sister Elizabeth (Dennis) Fisher. Memorial services will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, 1512 Churchville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401 on Tuesday, September 25th at 11am with a reception to follow.  The family appreciates your condolences and asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Christ United Methodist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Center.