Eric Jason Watkins Sr., 49, of Newark, died Wednesday, September 28, 2022. He was born July 22, 1973, in Marysville the son of Richard E. Watkins and Linda Monroe. Eric was an outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, camping, riding his bike, and collecting antiques. He was able to live off the land and was known for turning trash into something useful. He was a jack of all trades and was creative. He is survived by his children, Eric Jason Watkins Jr. and Rose (Walter) Bartholf; father, Richard Eugene Watkins; step mother, Mary Watkins; brother, Jeremy Aaron Watkins; sister, Trinity (Mark) Niskanen; step-sisters, Marcie Lowery and Stephanie Pack; nieces, Rylie and Dalin Dennis; nephew, Aaron Rhodes; uncles, Ed (Shirley) Monroe and David Watkins; aunts, Terisa “Tree” Monroe, Maryann (Roger) Draa, Jan Beery, Kristy Rittenhouse, Penni Smith, Helen Ballman, Sue Morris, Nancy Roberts, Sue Pierce, and Ginny Engle; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Monroe; maternal grandparents, Oscar and Pauline Monroe; paternal grandfather, Lawrence Watkins; and uncles, David Riggleman and Gene Monroe. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Eric and his family.