CENTRAL CITY – Bob Watkins (Robert Donald), 85, of Central City, went home to meet his Heavenly Father on Monday, July 30. Bob was at home with his family when he passed peacefully. Bob was born to Henry Grady “Tennessee” and Floy Coffman Watkins on January 26, 1927. He graduated from Central City High School in 1945 where he played basketball for the Central City Golden Tide. Playing for the Kentucky All State basketball team was one of his proudest accomplishments. He served in the U.S. Army 18 months until the end of World War II. Bob then attended the University of Louisville and played basketball there for a short time. Some of his favorite stories were set in Washington, D.C. where he worked for Senator Earle C. Clements. While serving on the Capitol Police force, he earned his Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Maryland. Disenchanted with the political scene, he accepted a position in El Paso, Texas as director of a children’s home. While there, he met Bobbie Narzinsky and spent the next 56 years of his life with her. Bob returned to Central City where he served on the Central City Chamber of Commerce, was married the same year and worked for Noffsinger’s Department store in Greenville. Bob was employed at Peabody’s River Queen mine for the next 33 years. He also served as Muhlenberg County Coroner for four years and owned the Watkins Burger Whip. Bob was a member of the Central City First United Methodist church, a born again Christian, and was a mason and a shriner. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by siblings Bonita and Margery (in infancy), Edna Mae Lyon, Louise Wallace, H.G. “Hank” Watkins, and Faye Stevens. Nephews predeceased are Yates Lyon and Grady Watkins. Nieces and nephews are Melinda Lyon, Ann (Watkins) Oldham, Rosemary (Watkins) Brown, Janice Watkins, Julia “Sister” (Wallace) Watson, Tom Wallace, Susan (Stevens) Burden, Bobby Glen Stevens. Children are Myra Lukac (Chris), Evansville, Mary Dossett (Dale), Cadiz, Jane Newman (David), Wilkesbarre, PA, Sally Washburn (Chet), Central City, Taylor Watkins (Jacque), Chicago, IL, Booker Watkins, Central City. Grandchildren are Cyrus Dossett (Kristin), Laura Dossett, Sadie Lukac (Jim), Paul Lukac, Caitlin Thistle (Paul), Marlee Newman, Gabe Newman, Seth Washburn (Kelsey), Travis Watkins (Nichole), Aaron Watkins, Annabelle Watkins, and Christine Watkins. Great Grandchildren are Julia Lukac and Mason Dossett. His favorite pastimes included visiting with people from the Wal-Mart bench, growing and giving away tomatoes, making relish, reading and spending time in his recliner with his wife, Bobbie and their dog, Hattie. Visitation will be at the Central City First United Methodist church on Sunday, August 5 from 12:30 to 3:30 with the memorial service starting at 4:00PM. The family asks that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to Green River Hospice or Central City First United Methodist after school program. Tucker Funeral Home in Central City is in charge of arrangements.