Robert Dale Watkins

Robert Dale "Robbie Dale" Watkins, 63, of Houston, DE passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 24, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Rob was born in Milford, DE on November 6, 1962, the son of the late James and Irene Watkins. 

Rob worked at Conagra as a supervisor for many years. He left to pursue working for Port lumber, operating the treatment of lumber and obtaining his CDL license. During that time, he met Johnny Rogers and became employed, putting in bulkheads along the waterways. Rob had said that the best part of working at Johnny Rogers was the opportunity to work with his brother Rick everyday. 

Rob enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them how to cut grass, and taking them to their first race and bringing his great grandchildren. as well as time teaching his nephews to drive tractors and repairing and working on their trucks. Rob was a special uncle to all  his nieces and nephews who always thought of him as a second father. Rob enjoyed working in his yard and loved to have a garden. 

Special Times were spent with his son Scotty cutting grass. Also special times with his son Joseph going to car shows and the races. Joseph just enjoyed being with Robbie, for making memories was the highlight of his life. Rob lived his life with simplicity. He enjoyed on a daily basis, having coffee and chatting with his friends at the Williamsville Store. He was a man who would help anyone in need. In his last days, Robbie wanted to let everyone know that he loved them.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son Michael J. Watkins, a sister Pamela M. Watkins, a niece Jennie L. Watkins, maternal grandparents Garnet and Susan Mima Wilfong and paternal grandparents William and Mabel Watkins.

He is survived by two sons Robert S. Watkins (Rebecca) and Joseph A. Watkins, both of Houston; a stepson Jason Swafford, of Lincoln; his beloved dog Missy; his grandchildren Kaylin Byington (Ray), Makayla Kelley, Mandy Watkins (Hunter), Sonya Watkins, Bridget Watkins; great grandchildren Deangelo Watkins-Burdette, Kolton Byington; two brothers James Sonny Watkins (Helen) and Rick Watkins, both of Houston; two sisters Doris Warren (Ronald) and Christine Shea (Joe), both of Houston; two former wives Diane Stratman and Karen Watkins; as well as many uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held from 11 am to 2 pm on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at the Houston Volunteer Fire Company, 143 Broad Street, Houston where services will be held at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Houston Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 122, Houston, DE  19954. Arr. by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford, DE. Letters of condolence may be shared with the family at www.loflandandmcknatt.com. 

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