DOLGEVILLE-Mr. Jesse David Warren Watkins, 97, of First Street, village of Dolgeville, went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday morning, August 27, 2009 peacefully in Little Falls Hospital. 2 Cor 5:8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Mr. Watkins was born on February 5, 1912 in Clayton, Illinois, the son of the late Henry and Flora (Hornecker) Watkins, and was educated in Camp Point Illinois. On Novemter 6, 1942, he was united in marriage with the former Frieda Mason in Palmyra, Missouri; a loving union of 62 years until her passing on January 15, 2005. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Watkins proudly served with the United States Army and was honorably discharged. He was last employed with Burlington Northern Transport, Galesburg, Illinois. Mr. Watkins was a devoted, faithful member of the Baptist Church in Galesburg, Ill., before coming to Dolgeville. He was blessed by the Lord with talented hands that served many purposes at his home church in Galesburg where he was a faithful servant. Jesse was truly a gifted “handyman” who could fix anything. Above all, he put Jesus Christ first and from that relationship, he was a loving family man, who treated his loved ones with kindness and compassion. Survivors include his beloved family; his daughter: Sally Byerly and husband Pastor Leonard Byerly of Dolgeville; a sister: Helen Manker of Pontiac, Ill., two grandchildren: Nathan Byerly and wife Nikki of Camp Hill, Pa., and Caleb Byerly and wife Becky of Salisbury, Maryland; three great grandchildren: Olivia Grace Byerly, Ethan Jon Byerly and Hailee Noelle Byerly, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. One of Jesse's faithful practices was reading his Bible and praying and one of those constant prayers was that God would save sinners. It was his prayer, that through His death people would turn from their sins toward God and put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for their eternal salvation. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, August 31, 2009 from 10-11 am at the Grace Baptist Church, Van Buren Street, Dolgeville and are also invited to attend his funeral service at 11 am following visitation at the church with his son-in-law, Pastor Leonard Byerly, officiating. Procession will follow to Rural Park Cemetery, Inghams Mills where Mr. Watkins will be laid to rest with his wife, Frieda. The family rejoices with a very grateful heart for the love and sensitivity shown, while Dad was in Little Falls Hospital; thanks to all of you at Little Falls Hospital, thank you very much,and for the Church family at Grace, for your faithful love, prayers and service over the years. We know the Lord has blessed you and will continue to bless you; we thank all of you in this public way for your years of faithfulness to "Pa" Watkins, our brother in Christ. Kindly consider memorial offerings to the Grace Baptist Church of Dolgeville. The family is being served by the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe Street, Little Falls, 13365 (Telephone 823-2424). To add to Mr. Watkins' online memorials, please visit our website at www.eneafamily.com on the internet.