Willis “Sonny” Watkins, 83, of Post Falls, passed away Aug. 13, 2013.

Born Nov. 5, 1929, in Eola, Texas, to John and Dollie Watkins, the 14th of 15 children. His family moved to California when he was 2, where he went through school. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Sandra in 1954, had three daughters, and was married for 17 years. He later married Helen in 1976 and moved to Idaho where they lived for 33 years until her passing in 2009.

He spent most of his adult life as a heavy equipment mechanic with the Operating Engineers Local No. 12. He was an avid fishermen and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed sharing his love of fishing with each of his grandchildren. In his retired years, he spent many winters traveling to Arizona where he spent time enjoying the desert’s treasures.

Survived by his children: Debbie and Kevin Malley, Terri and John Pabigian, Sharon and Michael Yount, Claire and Dana Flutz, Robert Todak Jr. and Paul Todak.

He was a special “Bunka” to his 15 grandkids: Kurt and Jaylene, Kyle, Kara, Kristopher Malley, Jamie and Brian Iverson, Daniel, Jennifer, Lisa, Tracy Pabigian, Shannon and Derek Garcia, Ashley, Sean Yount, Esau, Jadenn and Kole Clauson; eight great-grandkids and his beloved dog, “Teddy.”

Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls.