Deane Arthur Watkins

Deane Arthur Watkins, age 81, of Bemidji, MN, died Thursday, May 27, 2021.

Deane was born to Ethel M Watkins and David C Watkins on March 13, 1940 in Fayette, Iowa.

Deane served in the US Navy from 1958 to 1976, leaving his service honorably with the rank of Petty Officer First Class. During his time in the service, he served three terms in Viet Nam as an Aviation Machinist Mate and as a Radio Operator on the P3-Orion.

After his time in the service, Deane settled down in Bemidji with his wife, Bonnie Lee (Bennet) and his three sons, Timothy Lee Watkins, Michael Wayne Watkins and David Duane Watkins.

Deane worked at Nuply as an Electrician until his retirement. When he was not working, he and his three boys ran a farm in which he raised hogs and chickens and grew the grain he needed to feed his livestock.

Deane was involved with the Bemidji VFW where he leaves behind many friends. He was an avid outdoorsman who came from a long line of lumbermen.

Deane leaves behind two sons, Timothy (Portia), Michael (Angela) and his grandchildren, Nathaniel, MJ, Timmy and Averie, his niece Kate Watkins (Cullen) as well as two step-grandchildren, Sarah Evelyn Root and Neil Thomas Root. Deane was preceded in death by his son David and his brother Duane Watkins.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Fern Township Cemetery in Becida, MN on August 6, 2021. A reception will follow at the Becida Bar and Grill.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Bemidji VFW Hall in Bemidji, care of Bruce Malterud VFW P.O. Box 1271 Bemidji, MN 56619.

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