Ralph C. Watkins

PLAINS-Ralph C. Watkins, 85, of Plains, passed away January 17, 2012 at the Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Plains, following a lengthy illness. Born in Plains, he was the son of the late Henry and Eloise Watkins of Plains and the husband of Irene Frund Watkins. They were one month shy of 63 years of marriage. A veteran of World War II, he proudly joined and served the Marine Corps while attending Plains High School class of 1944. He became a Purple Heart Medal recipient while serving with the 3rd and 21st Marine Divisions on Guam and Iwo Jima. He was one of only a handful of survivors of Iwo Jima and his proudest moment became history while he was there during the raising of the flag on that island. He was a member of D.A.V., Purple Heart and a life member of VFW Post 283, Kingston and he supported them through his charitable contributions. He was also a member of the Glass Blowers Union. He was formerly employed at Miner-Hillard Milling from high school until the plant was closed. He later worked at O & I and Techniglass until his retirement as an operating engineer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one of his most prized possessions, his beloved daughter, Mary Watkins Durako, who was not just his daughter, but his nurse, advisor and friend. Her death added to his recent health problems. He will now join her in her passing. May they be joined and rest in peace together. As a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he devoted his life to his family. Surviving are his wife, Irene; daughter Debbie Zavada and son-in-law, John of Plains; son Ralph M. Watkins and daughter-in-law, Lisa of Plains; son-in-law Bernie Durako of Ashley; five granddaughters, Amy Cody and husband Tom of Bear Creek; Nicole Helmbold and husband Brian of Plains; Sarah Onufer and husband David of Mountain Top; Tiffany Allabaugh and husband Phillip and April Watkins of Plains; 7 great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Phillip Allabaugh; Noah Helmbold; Grace and Ellie Onufer; Anna and Kathryn Cody. His life was devoted to them and wants to thank them and those who shared in that part of his life by attending his private services at Fort Indiantown Gap where he will be laid to rest amount the many unsung heroes. Services have been entrusted to Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home, Inc., 465 S. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, 333 ½ Pennsylvania Ave., S.E., Washington D.C. 20003-114