Walter Edward Watkins, age 76, passed away on Monday, April 10, 2023, in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was born on January 4, 1947, in Searcy, Arkansas to Jane Sheets and Raymond Watkins. Raymond left to pursue other interest. Jane later married Porter Sheets. The relationship between Walter and Porter was strained. It made Walter want to do better and be a good husband, father and friend.

Walter served in the US Army during the Vietnam Era and was an expert marksman. He earned his way to Sergeant and was a squad leader. He also had the honor of working as a Chaplain Assistant conducting funerals. Walter earned his bachelor's degree at UCLA and worked as a system programmer. On August 7, 1974, in Las Vegas, Nevada he married Diana Sell Watkins. Walter was a member of Elm Springs Methodist Church, Pathfinders and volunteered with ESUMC.

Walter was a shy and humble man. His goal was to be a servant to all and master of none. His humility sometimes obscured his prodigious mental skills and talents with computers. He was a genius. He will be sorely missed by all but specially his wife of 48 years, Dr. Diana Watkins, together the two made one. "Say nice things to my parents when you see them!"

He was preceded in death by three sisters, Jane Sheets, Francis Fairchild and Sue Barber and his mother and father in-law, Edwin Paul Sell and Esther O. Sell.

Walter is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Diana Sell Watkins; two children, Paul Everett Watkins and Martha Watkins Robinson; siblings, Oscar Sheets, Alice Sheets Stallsworth, Sara Renea, Rachel Lynn, Brenda Norton, Bobbie Barber, Billie Barber, Terrell Norton, James Fairchild, Richard Barber, Barry Barber; sister in-law, Patricia Boyer; brother in-laws, Jerry Boyer and Charlie Stallsworth; other special family members, Luke Watkins, Rachael Watkins, Candace Robinson, Claire Robinson, Arica Chambers, Savannah Hollands, Kayla Kirtley, Mark Norton, Jr. and Landon Norton.

"In as much as you have done it to my brethren, you have done it to me."

Donations can be made in his honor to Pathfinders Arkansas. Cremation arrangements will be under the direction of Heritage Funeral Home.