Jerrold R Watkins' Obituary
Jerrold "Jerry" Watkins, 94, of Columbus Grove, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026. He was born on August 5, 1931, to the late Kenneth M. and Gynyth J. (Wentz) Watkins. On November 4, 1977, he married Phyllis (Pfleiderer) Watkins who survives.
Jerry proudly served his country in the US Army and was the owner of Jerry's Marathon. His shop became a gathering place where neighbors stopped by not only for service, but for friendship. Over cups of coffee and light‑hearted conversations about everything from daily life to world events, Jerry fostered a space where people felt welcome and connected. Jerry touched the community in countless ways-from pulling people out of ditches with his "Happy Hooker" wrecker to helping repair cars for anyone in need. His legacy lives on in the relationships he nurtured and the many lives he impacted simply by creating a place where everyone felt they belonged. He was a member of the VFW Post 9648, American Legion Post 516 and AOPA- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
He is survived by his children, Vicky Watkins, Tina (Tim Linhart) Schey, Tisha (Will) Richardson and Joby (Melissa) Watkins; stepchildren, Tammy (Denny) Myers, Gina (Steve) Gerding, Brent (Jill) Glass, Jennifer (Todd) Pingle, Shelley (Kevin) Bowers, Lori (Brian) Sheblosky and Stephen (Bonnie) Houk; sisters, Bonnie Gillespie-Fruchey and Shirley Cartwright; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Connie Workman and grandsons, Sam Watkins, Austin Schey and Ryan Gerding.
A Celebration of Life will be held by the family at a later date. Preferred Memorials may be made to the Putnam County Homecare & Hospice https://pchh.net/. To share online condolences please visit www.hartmanfunerals.com.
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