Keith L. Watkins

Mohawk - Keith L. Watkins, 72, of Mohawk (Town of German Flatts), passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, NY with his loving family by his side.

He was born on April 17, 1953, in Herkimer, the son of the late Raymond A. and Ann (Kroll) Watkins. Keith was a graduate of Mohawk High School, class of 1971.

Mr. Watkins was a United States Navy veteran, serving from 1971 until he was honorably discharged in 1975.

On May 27, 1978, Keith was united in marriage to Pandora (Penny) Casler at Blessed Sacrament Church in Mohawk.

For over 39 years, Keith was employed at the former Remington Arms in Ilion, NY and also was co-owner of the News Room in Mohawk for 10 years.

Keith was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and spending time with his family and friends at his camp. He was also a very talented wood worker and handyman who could fix anything. In his leisure time, he enjoyed reading and listening to music.

He is survived by his loving wife Penny of 47 years; his daughter, Michele Brewer and husband Jason of Mohawk and their two children, Riley (Mohawk, NY) and Chase (Tampa, FL); three sons, Jeremy Watkins and wife Melissa and their children; Nick Dandrea of Mohawk and his two children, Camden and Austen, and Mitchell Dandrea and wife Margaret of Louisville, KY; Keith also leaves behind his twin sister, Karen and her husband Gary Van Evera(his best friend) of Ilion; two brothers, Mike Watkins and wife Diane of Pulaski, NY, and Raymond Watkins and wife Kathleen of Maryland. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters in law, Ed Casler Jr., of Walterboro, SC, Glenny and James Monahan of Mohawk, Melissa and Tony Tripolone of Kingsland, GA, and Lenora and Steve Wright of Saint Mary’s GA; and several nieces and nephews.

Keith is predeceased by his youngest sister, Theresa Watkins, his parents Raymond and Ann Watkins, his mother in-law Doris Aney, and father in-law Edward Casler Sr.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the Bassett Oncology Department in Herkimer, and the ICU in Cooperstown for the exceptional care they gave to Keith. The family would also like to acknowledge Lisa and Harold Chisman, Beth Catlin, Al Shibley, Nancy Graniti, Dominick DiPasqua, Amanda DiPasqua and Gregg Sponburg for all the help they gave to Keith and his family during his illness.

A celebration of Keith’s life will take place at Paines Hollow United Methodist Church, 2452 State Route 167, Mohawk, NY 13407, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00am. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the locally owned and family operated, Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service (next to Hannaford Markets) 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY. In lieu of flowers please make all memorial contributions to the Paines Hollow United Methodist Church, c/o 3139 State Route 168, Mohawk, NY 13407. 

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