Daniel Earl Watkins, 69, of Zeigler, Illinois went home to be with the Lord at 11:13 p.m., Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Herrin Hospital. Daniel was born April 14, 1945 in Herrin to Harland and Reathel (Finney) Watkins. He grew up in the Lick Creek area, as well as places in California. He came back to Southern Illinois in 1965. He met his future wife, Frances in West Frankfort at that time. They married February 26, 1966 and settled in Zeigler in 1974. Celebrating 49 years of marriage, she survives in Zeigler. Dan was an avid fisherman, wood worker and gardener. Any given day, he could be found on the lake in hunt of "the big one", making sawdust in the garage or working in his garden. Dan worked as an auto body repairman for 53 years and also worked several years as a coal miner for Old Ben #27 mine. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who will be sadly missed. He was well known, loved and always willing to help out family and friends. In addition to his wife, Dan is survived by a daughter, Theresa Pearson of Zeigler; a son-in-law and daughter, Terry and Polly Woodfall of Royalton; his bestest buddy and granddaughter, Mackenzie Jo Pearson of Zeigler; two brothers, Chuck Watkins of Benton and James Watkins of West Frankfort and many nephews, nieces and cousins. His parents; two brothers, Hank and Georgetwo sisters, Esther and Shelby and a granddaughter Danna Nichole preceded him in death. Visitation for Mr. Watkins will be on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in Royalton from 6 to 9:00 p.m. Grave side services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 13, 2015 at the Zeigler Cemetery with Brother Ben Eldridge officiating. Visit www.vantreasefuneralhome.com for more information and to sign the online register book.