Ralph Dee Watkins

Ralph “RDee” Dee Watkins, 78, of Peru, passed away at 5:28 PM, Monday, April 6, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Ft. Wayne, IN. He was born in Peru on December 12, 1947, the son of Ralph and Martha Jane Cavanaugh Watkins.

RDee was a Peru High School graduate, a member of St. Charles Catholic Church and a US Army veteran. Following the release from duty, RDee worked as a Brakeman for Norfolk Southern Railroad. An avid pool player, RDee enjoyed playing in numerous tournaments and leagues.

RDee is survived by his children, Ralph Watkins, Christian Watkins, Scott Wilkinson, Silas (Brooke) Watkins, Ryan Finicle, and Stefan Watkins; grandchildren Rhys Deramo, Ander Wilkinson, and Everly Wilkinson; siblings Mark (Therese) Watkins, Linda Saylors, Cinda Elrod, Glenda Hoffman, and Noble Watkins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Cynthia Watkins.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Ralph Dee Watkins will be held at 3:00 PM, Wednesday, April 15, at the St. Charles Catholic Church, 58 W. 5th St. Peru, with Fr. Paul Cochran officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Miami County Military Rites Unit. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Tuesday, April 14, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St. Peru. There will be prayer service at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through the funeral home to Miami County Helping Hands.

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