Herbert (Herb) W. Watkins, 89, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on December, 23, 2015 at Mercy Villa Nursing Home in Springfield. Herb was born on June 1, 1926 in Omaha, Nebraska to Elsie (Dee) and Sydney Watkins. He graduated from North High School in Omaha and took additional classes at Omaha University. He was married to Virginia (Andrews) Watkins for over 60 years.
Herb served in the US Army Air Corp training to be a pilot. After his discharge he returned to Omaha and began his career with the Union Pacific Railroad eventually becoming Chief Circuit Designer for signal systems. Herb spent his whole career in the railroad industry.
After the UPRR he went to Minneapolis to work for Griswold Signal as Manager/Sales Manager. Herb always had the desire to own a business and he became one of the founders of Modern Industries in Louisville, Kentucky and later L&W Industries in Springfield, Missouri. Herb was President and Owner of L&W Industries for over 40 years.
Herb enjoyed the lake life, boating, skiing, swimming and spending time with family and grandchildren at his Table Rock Lake house. He also enjoyed traveling and over the years visited many countries around the world. One of his favorite trips was to China in the early 1980''s on a Rail Industry Tour.
Herb is survived by Virginia Watkins, children Richard Watkins, Robert (Doris) Watkins, Rollo (Jackie) Watkins, Joyce (Garrett) Rowley and Christine (Rodger) VanHoozer. Plus, 16 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and brother in law Jim Krausert.
He was preceded in death by his son Craig, mother Elsie, father Sydney, and sister Millicent.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Monday, January 4, 2016 at Klingner-Cope at Rivermonte Chapel from 12-2pm. A memorial service will follow at Rivermonte Chapel at 2pm.
Online condolences may be made at www.klingner-rivermonte.com