Building Association Official Expires at 77*

Danville Commercial News May 18, 1954

Building Association Official Expires at 77

*Charles R. Watkins, 77, of 1212 N. Walnut St., chairman of the board of the Danville Building Association, died at 4:10 p.m. Monday (May 17, 1954) in Lake View Hospital. He had been in ill health about four months and seriously ill the past 10 days.
Mr. Watkins, a native of Stone Bluff, Ind., came to Danville at the age of 5 and was associated with the DBA, formerly known as Phillips & Espenscheid, 51 years. He was a charter member of the old W. Main St. Merchants Association and was treasurer of the Springhill Cemetery Association.
A member of the First Presbyterian Church, he had been on the board of elders 33 years. He also was a staunch Rotarian and had served as treasurer of Rotary Club 8 years and was a director.
He was a 32nd degree Mason for 50-year member of the Knights of Pythias and a member of Elks Lodge 332. He also was a past master of Anchor Lodge 980, AF&AM; a past patron of Danville Chapter 854, Order of the Eastern Star; a past thrice potent master of Danville Lodge of Perfection; a member of Danville Consistory, AASR, and of its original cast for the 20th degree; a member of Athelstan Commandery 45, Knights Templar, and one of its hermits; a member of Vermilion Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and of Danville Council, Royal & Sector Masters.
The son of John and Catherine Reese Watkins, he was born July 11, 1876, at Stone Bluff. He was graduated from Danville High School and married the former Ellen Hayes, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Miss Frances Watkins of the DHS faculty; a sister, Mrs. Cynthia Reese, and several nieces and nephews. A sister and a brother preceded him in death.
The body is at the Barrick & Sons Funeral Home where it will remain until one hour preceding services which are to be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Ralph Smith will officiate and burial will be in Springhill Cemetery. Masonic rites will be conducted by Anchor Lodge and the Knights Templar will have an honor guard.