Donald Preston Watkins, 64, passed away on April 27, 2011, at the VA Medical Center, in Kansas City.

He is preceded in death by his father; Preston Paul Watkins; mother, Jewell (Tipton) Warman; son, Tony Watkins, and sister-in-law, Sandra Richard.

Don is survived by his wife, Betty (Wilkerson) Watkins; children, Cindy Lewis and Donnie Watkins and survived by Betty's children, Bobby Jones, Angela Craigmyle and her husband, Larry, and Dana Eby and her husband, Roger; brother, Paul Watkins and his wife, Vivian; sister, Diana Pouge and her husband, Jack; brother-in-laws, Richard Wilkerson and his wife, Ardith and Sonny Wilkerson; his sister-in-laws, Helen Gray, and Debby Abney and her husband, Dan; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Don and Betty met while Don was driving for Prime Trucking. They married in Springfield, on June 6, 1998. Don continued in the trucking industry starting out with one truck, naming his company after his three children's initials, CDT Trucking Co.

He was loved by so many family and friends. To share Don's personality, his motto was; "never make a promise to a child, that you cannot keep."

Don served three tours in the Navy and the Marines. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 639, in Springfield.

Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2011 in Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home 500 E. Walnut Street Springfield, MO 65806. Burial with military honors will follow in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 So. Southwood Road Springfield, MO 65804. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2011 in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the Watkin's family has requested all donations be made to American Legion Post 639, 2660 So. Scenic, Springfield, MO. 65807 (417) 882-8639.

Online condolences can be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.