Ronald G. Watkins

Ronald G. Watkins, 84, of East Moline passed away December 26, 2023 at his home.

A memorial visitation will be 12:00 – 2:00pm Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Schroder Mortuary in Silvis with a service to follow at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Christ Church of the Quad Cities Food Pantry.

Ronald was born August 29, 1939 in Davenport, IA the son of Donald and Blanche Machalek Watkins. He lost his father at a very young age and he and his brother were adopted and raised by Charles and Blanche Hlavaty. Ronald married Joyce Swanson September 14, 1958 and later married Evelyn DeLeon December 31, 1996.

Ronald worked for Iowa Illinois Gas and Electric starting in the generating station in 1957, a groundman in 1958, and retired as an electric distribution supervisor October 1, 1995. While there he served on the safety committee and the management advisory board. Ronald was a board member and later a chairman at Railite Credit Union. He was a volunteer fireman for Bettendorf Fire Department for 10 years and an EMT for 4 years.

Ron lived his life with an enviable fortitude and positive outlook and overcame many hurdles in his life.  He will be remembered by many as a loyal friend.  He was good with his hands, solving problems, and fixing things. He was a fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Iowa Hawkeyes and loved to watch sports and westerns.  He loved fishing at Wood Lake Wisconsin with his best bud Leroy. He also enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid backyard bird watcher and occasional cigar aficionado. He and Evelyn participated in running events all over the country, both often placing in their age brackets.

Survivors include his wife Evelyn; children Lori Bauwens, Kris (Jon) Bergmann, Darren (Julie) DeLeon, and Andrea (Chris) DeLeon; grandchildren Randy (Dina) Bauwens, Chad (Jodi) Bauwens, Caleb (Alyssa) Bergmann, Kaitie Bergmann, Emily (Peter) Gross, Alex DeLeon, Erica (Ryan) Ash, Connor DeLeon, and Carson Cortright; great grandchildren Raydon Bauwens, Daniella Bauwens, Mya Bauwens, Colton Bauwens, Shelby Ash, and Chandler Ash and siblings Mike (Patricia) Hlavaty, Sherre Hunter, Harry (Kathi) Watkins, and Charles (Evangeline) Hlavaty.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, a son in law Don Bauwens, and brother in law Jack Hunter.