Obituary of Kermit "Bo" Watkins

Kermit “Bo” Watkins, 71, of Independence, KY, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Hospice in Edgewood. The son of the late Nathan Roy Watkins and Elizabeth Christine {Stevens} Watkins, Bo was born in Somerset, KY on January 14, 1953.

He graduated from Somerset High School and soon after proudly served in the United States Army. After his military service, Bo began his career with Rigacci Box Company in Cincinnati where he spent over 30 meaningful years with the small family-owned business. In his later years, he took his hard work and dedication to A & J Construction Company, improving homes with his brothers.

Bo was a down to Earth, humble, and genuine kind of man. He enjoyed the simple things in life such as spending time with family, tending to his beloved vegetable garden, and being outdoors fishing. In his spare time, he would catch a football game on TV, read a military novel or any book relating to a hobby he enjoyed. Bo shared his love of food with his friends and family by cooking meals for gatherings; he even became a self-taught winemaker! A true animal lover at heart, Bo cared for many dogs over the years and loved each and every one dearly. Most importantly, Bo enjoyed the time spent with his beloved wife, Lauri, and the family they created together; he will be sorely missed.

Carrying on Bo’s legacy are his wife of 29 years, Lauri Watkins; children Richard (Mandy) Watkins, Maggie (Zach) Casey, and Gary McQueary; brothers Nathan Roy Watkins, Jr., Benny (Kari) Watkins, Frankie (Teri) Watkins, Gary (Brenda) Watkins, and Albert (Leslie) Watkins; grandchildren Riley, Connor, and Adyson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members whom Bo cherished.

He is welcomed in Heaven by his parents, Roy and Elizabeth Watkins, and sisters Dean and Jean.

A visitation will be held between 10 AM and 1 PM with the funeral to begin immediately after at 1 PM on Monday, November 11^th at Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike Independence, KY 41051. Bo will be laid to rest at Saint John’s Cemetery in Ft. Mitchell where military rites will be held. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by clicking here. For directions, to view the life tribute video, or to share an online condolence, please visit the corresponding tabs on this page.