West Carthage, NY

Henry S. Watkins, 96, died peacefully at home on November 30,2024, surrounded by his family.

Born July 23, 1928, in Goshen, NY, Henry was the son of J. Strong and Charlotte Seacord Watkins.  Henry grew up on a dairy farm in Orange County, graduated from Washingtonville Central School and earned a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering at Cornell University in 1949 where he also lettered in lacrosse .  He began teaching at Carthage Central in the fall of 1949.

Henry accepted a direct commission into the Air Force when he was called to serve his country in 1952.  He served on a flight crew as an Electronic Countermeasures officer in the Strategic Air Command. He returned to his teaching position at Carthage after his honorable discharge as a 1st Lieutenant in 1956.

During his 42 year career at CCS, Henry especially enjoyed visiting the farms of his agriculture students and working with Veterans in evening courses that he taught.  He moved into his role as a Guidance counselor after completing his Master's Degree in Guidance and Administration at St. Lawrence University. During his career he coordinated the district's transition from hand scheduling students for classes to computer scheduling.

Henry was dedicated to community service and enjoyed the camaraderie of those he served with. He has been a member of the Snow Ridge Ski Patrol for more than 60 years. In 2006 he was honored by WWNY-TV as one of "The North Country's Finest" as he served on the slopes.  Henry was a Town Councilman in the Town of Champion, and was honored when the Board room was named in his honor at the end of his 44 year tenure. Henry was also a volunteer income tax preparer for the Community Action Planning Council for 30 years.

Henry enjoyed people and had a keen knack for inviting them to share humorous stories about themselves.  His favorite experiences were many and included Elderhostel travel with his wife, canoe trips with Boy Scouts, skiing throughout the US and sailing at Lake Bonaparte.

Henry is survived by Ruth, his beloved wife of 64 years, Carthage, NY, and his two daughters, Michelle Watkins of Beaver Falls, NY, and Carol (Scott) Sherwood of Fayetteville, NY.  Treasured grandchildren, Bryan Sherwood (Lebanon, NH) and Rebecca Sherwood (Penfield, NY).  He was predeceased by a son, Brian Henry, who died in infancy, his parents, his brother, Jim, special cousins and friends that became family.

Calling hours will be held at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home in Carthage on Friday, December 6,2024 from 11:00am -1:00pm with a funeral service to follow at 1:00pm with Deacon Ron Gingerich officiating. Burial will be in St. James Cemetery, Carthage. Donations in Henry's memory may be made to the Snow Ridge Ski Patrol or a charity of one's choice. To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.