Keith W. Watkins

PROVIDENCE, UTAH - Keith W. Watkins, 85 years old, long time resident of Providence, kicked the bucket March 8, 2011, after chasing his bride of many, many years around the house.

Keith was born December 30, 1925 in Ogden, Utah, to Henry James Watkins, Sr., and Edna Dean Rawson Watkins. He was preceded in death by his brother, Henry James Watkins, Jr; sisters, Marilynn Gianelo and Grace Kofoed. Henry brought his family to Cache Valley in 1928 when he was transferred to the area as a salesman for Utah Wholesale Grocery. In 1932 Henry bought the former Cederland grocery store building (sw corner of Main and Center) in Providence where Edna Dean operated a grocery and confectionery business until 1942.

Those were important years for Keith, growing up in that old building that shared the family living quarters with the small business. During these hard depression years he received early lessons about business from his father and mother, in addition to six years delivering the Salt Lake Tribune with his siblings. It was during his early years here that Santa Claus brought him a small toy printing press that started his life long interest in the craft that was called “The art to preserve all art.” These early years also meant working in the sugar beet fields, picking fruit and pole beans to earn a little money, and swimming summers down in the Logan River ‘ole swimming hole; hunting jack rabbits and ground squirrels on the foothills. He retained a life- long love for the outdoors.

Keith always knew his future would be in printing; at age 16 he left school to work full time doing what he loved to do by going to work for the Herald Journal. Asked about this in later years he would tell you: “If you want to learn something, go where the teachers are.” His substantial education came from a lifetime of reading and seeking information and was always interested in current events. He studied law and advertising while in the military. He liked to write and did so frequently. He, assisted by his beloved companion, LaVona, wrote the book, “The Time . . . The Place . . . The Miracle . . .“ the story of the remarkable circumstances that brought about the mechanical means to print the first edition of The Book of Mormon. They also wrote and printed their family history book in addition to several other family history books.

He was a Marine veteran of WWII serving in the Pacific and North China. After the war he returned to printing, working for Bonnie Earl, The Cache American weekly newspaper and the Herald Printing Company. Purchasing the Cache American job printing equipment when they went of business in 1949, he and LaVona started a part time mail order printing business that was housed in their garage in Logan. The business grew requiring more space, so the couple purchased the old Watkins store building in Providence where they continued for many years. In 1966 they changed to a very full time business, manufacturing wedding announcements with outlets in 18 states, in addition to full service commercial printing. Keith and LaVona turned the company over to their family in 1991 when they left for a L.D.S. church mission in Palmyra, New York, serving in the Grandin Building where the first edition of The Book of Mormon was printed. Upon return, Keith set up an old printing equipment museum next to their home where he spent many pleasant hours “letterpress printing for fun and food.” Keith referred to work done on this old cast iron equipment as, “handcrafted printing.” He also established an1898 job printing shop for the American West Heritage Center. In addition, the two enjoyed giving an occasional fireside presentation on the first Book of Mormon printing.

Keith served two terms on the city council and was active in community and city war veteran affairs. He participated in the building of the Providence veterans’ monument, one of his most cherished accomplishments. He also, recorded the passing of military service veterans, and along with his wife and family members, annually placed flags on these veterans’ graves in the Providence cemetery. An activity that has lasted over fifty years.

Keith and LaVona were married on October 6, 1947, later solemnized in the Logan Temple. They were an exceptional couple, working long hours very closely together with never a cross word. LaVona was from Wellsville, the daughter of Melvin and Ruby Archibald Leishman. After Ruby’s early death, LaVona was raised by a special mother, Mary Fuhriman Leishman. To demonstrate his love for her and their five children, he would send a dozen roses and a “thank you” card to her on each child’s birthday. Their children are: Dennis W. Watkins (Patsy), Smithfield; Kathryn W. Allred (David, deceased), Providence; Peggy Ann W. Giles (Dennis), Providence; David K. Watkins (Jill), Hyrum; Patricia W. Richardson (Robert), Smithfield. He is survived by his children, 26 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, March 12 at the Providence 1st Ward Chapel, 420 West 100 North in Providence. A viewing will be held from 6-8 PM on Friday evening at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center St in Logan and from 10-11:30 AM prior to services at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in the Providence City Cemetery. Condolences and thoughts may be expressed online at www.allenmortuaries.net .