Seldon "Pete" Watkins Obituary (1947 - 2022)

Seldon "Pete" Watkins, age 75, of Greenfield Twp., passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at his home. He was born in Erie on October 12, 1947, the son of the late James and Elizabeth (Little) Watkins. Pete was a 1965 graduate of the Wattsburg Area High School. He was a proud U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War with the 82nd Airborne Division; having attained the rank of Sergeant. For his service, Pete was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart Medal. He was a member of the American Legion, Carl Neff Post #571. Pete was employed by E. E. Austin & Son for 35 years prior to his retirement in 2004. He enjoyed hunting, four-wheeling, playing cornhole, ammo reloading, and was a classic car enthusiast. Above all else, he loved spending time with and caring for his family, especially his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James, Jr. and Roger Watkins. Survivors include his beloved wife of 50 years, Peggy L. (Borland) Watkins, whom he married January 15, 1972; two sons, James E. Watkins (Marcia) and Scott A. Watkins (Paula); four grandchildren: Morgan, Grace, Hunter, and Colton Watkins; 11 siblings: Jack Watkins (Evelyn), Linda Watkins, Gene Watkins, Brenda Shedd, Dennis Watkins (Pam), Susan Learn (Al), Donald Watkins (Linda), Richard Watkins, Larry Watkins (Trudi), David Watkins (Kathy), and Mary Dean; and many nieces and nephews. The Watkins Family wishes to gratefully acknowledge the loving and compassionate care of Pete by the entire staff of the Erie VAMC; especially Laurie, Lisa, Sally, and Susan; as well as the staff of the Pittsburgh VAMC and VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare. Private funeral services were entrusted to the care of the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Harborcreek Twp. Pete was laid to rest at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery with full military honors having been rendered. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.