Gary Watkinson

The world lost a beautiful man and a kind soul with the passing of Gary Lee Watkinson of Columbus on January 9, 2016, after a short but brutal battle with cancer.
Known for his sparkling blue eyes, witty charm, integrity, and desire to serve others, Gary was a caring and fun-loving man who loved the Lord, history, The Buckeyes, and travel to the Caribbean. He had a sense of humor that he maintained 'til the end, and his friends on this earth are counted in the hundreds, if not thousands.

Gary was born on February 25, 1941, in Columbus to the late Dorothy Burkhalter and George "Chuck" Watkinson. He was a 1959 graduate of Franklin Heights High School, where he excelled in both football and wrestling. Gary married his first love and soulmate, Bonnie Jean Grashel on July 20, 1963. They enjoyed a very special love that began at a school dance 57 years ago.
He served his country in the US Army for 6 years. Gary was a bricklayer by trade, and a self-employed Contractor for nearly 50 years, who took great pride in his ability to take something worn and old and turn it into something new and beautiful. He did just that with their house, and he and Bonnie enjoyed sharing their beautiful home and garden with anyone who graced their doorstep.
Gary blessed his family in all that he did, and his 3 children and 10 grandchildren will remember his legacy of faith, family, laughter, and kindness for their lives. His children and grandchildren are: Andrew (Ben, Luke, and Cole) of Columbus; Amy & Todd Cameron (Alex, Carly, Grace and Aidan) of Worthington; and Bary (Caron, Caleb, and Abbie) & special friend, Erika Smith, of London.

In addition, Gary is survived by his siblings, Suzanne Holdren, Lindy Shumate, Linda (Jim) Hollis, and John Watkinson; in-laws Debbie & Tim Guyton, Phyllis Taylor, and Kurt & Karen Grashel; many special nieces, nephews and family; and countless treasured friends.

Having decided at an early age to put his faith in Jesus Christ, Gary viewed his relationship with God as his compass. For 20+ years he attended Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and for the past 30+years was a member at Xenos Christian Fellowship, where he served as a home church leader. Through the years, he was involved with Young Life, Youth For Christ, Campus Crusade for Christ, and attended several Promise Keepers events, always finding new ways to serve the Lord.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held on Saturday, February 27th at Xenos Christian Fellowship café, 1340 Community Park Drive at noon. All are welcome to attend, and invited to share lunch after the Life Celebration. Please bring your favorite Gary story, or "garyism" to share. If you'd rather, you can send your favorite memory to Bonnie Watkinson, or email it to Amy at camfam@columbus.rr.com. Additionally, we would like to request pictures if you have any. Please send those to Bonnie or Amy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Ohio Youth for Christ or Xenos Humanitarian Aid Fund.