Birl Watkins

Monday, November 14, 2011
Birl Watkins

Birl Randall Watkins, 75, of Mountain Home, left this world on Nov. 12, 2011, at home, with loved ones by his side and holding his wife's hand, after a long battle with kidney failure and many other health issues. Per his request, no services will be held.

Birl was born on Aug. 22, 1936, in Cooper, Texas, the son of Thomas Franklin and Fannie Margaret (Cavanaugh) Watkins. He was raised in Cooper and finished grade and high school there. He was the youngest of eight children.

He served in the Army Reserves for six years in the tank units at Fort Hood, Texas. He worked most of his life in the warehouse business and for Whitney Allied Van Lines.

Birl moved to Idaho in 1977 to be with his wife's family and loved it so much he never wanted to leave. He loved fishing, hunting and building many things. He was so proud of a 45-lb. catfish he caught in Texas, and in 1993, he shot a moose (Bullwinkle) above Elk City along with his brother-in-law, Babe Carpentier.

He enjoyed trips to Yellowstone, the Oregon Coast and many other road trips with his special friends, Irene and Brad Peterson.

Birl married Edna Hills Schweitzer, on Sept. 28, 1972, in Atoka, Okla. They had no children, however, he accepted his new stepchildren, Buddy, Deborah, Roxanna and Patty, as his own. They were never referred to as "stepchildren." He loved each and every one as if they were his own.

So much more could be said about Birl, but there is not enough space or time. He was a great man and friend to many and he will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Birl is gone but he will never be forgotten. How could he be forgotten? He is so special.

Birl is survived by his wife, Edna, and daughter Roxanna, of Mountain Home, daughter Deborah of Texas, son Buddy of Texas, Irene and Brad Peterson, his special adopted kids and friends, 22 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by daughter Patty, brothers Junior and Bobby, sisters Maizie, Lazell, Margie, Luna and Alta, a granddaughter, and brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws. There are so many other family and friends that have been excluded, please forgive us for this. Birl loved each and everyone.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Birl's memory can be made to Rost Funeral Home, 500 N. 18th East St., Mountain Home, ID 83647.