Charles David Watkins Jr. of Wentzville, passed away on February 29, at the age of 83.
He is survived by his beloved wife Janet (nee: Hanssen) Watkins, daughter Jennifer Bakken, son Christopher Watkins; three step children, Ann (Kurt) Hollenberg, Abby (Jerry) Rosemann, TJ (Becky) Bueneman; seven step-grandchildren, Eric (Sara) Hollenberg, Ryan (Kaitlyn) Hollenberg, Kasey (Daniel) Ebker, Kelley (Kody) Brown, Karrie (Alex) Heyne, Alex Bueneman, Shelby Bueneman; six step great-grandchildren Kinzey, Chase, Carolyn, Charlotte, Bowen and Koley; two sisters, Susie (Charles) McVey and Phoebe (Dr. Richard) Danielson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Charles D. & Jenny Watkins, Sr. and sister, Jane Watkins.
Charles was a native of Leavenworth, Kansas. He graduated from Wentworth Military Academy, Wentworth Junior College and DeVry University. He joined Trans World Airlines (TWA) in 1964. He celebrated 40 years with TWA. At TWA, he was senior systems engineer, manager of the Flight Training Equipment Engineering Department. He was responsible for ALL Flight training equipment for TWA's pilots. He was employee of the year in 1993. His name appears on the National Air and Space Museum Wall of Honor at the Steven F. Udvzar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.
After retirement, Dave became an airline consultant, volunteered at the Transportation Museum in St. Louis and the Warren County Historical Society.
Services will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to Warren Co. Historical Society or Alzheimer's Association .
