Charles A. 'Red' Dockins age 79 formerly of Veedersburg, died unexpectedly Wednesday morning, December 15, 2010 in VA Illiana Healthcare System, Danville, IL. He was born August 1, 1931 in Walker County, Alabama the son of Willard and Leara Gunner Dockins, they preceded him in death. In 1950 married Edna J. Banks and she preceded him in death in 2003. Red had lived over 45 years in Veedersburg, then in 2009 moved to Whitlock House, Crawfordsville and in November moved in to the VA care unit.
Mr. Dockins attended school until the age of 12, when he quit school and went to work in the Alabama mines to help support his family. He proudly received his GED from DACC the same year his daughter graduated from high school.
Red was a veteran of U.S. Army. Following his discharge started working at Harrison Steel Castings, then was employed at National Homes, Lafayette until it closed. He then started a 20 year career as a cook for the VA facility in Danville, IL . During this time he also was involved in auto sales for Myers Motors in Veedersburg, Warricks in Covington and also had a used car sales business in Sterling. He was a member and past commander of the Veedersburg American Legion Post 288, Masonic Lodge of Veedersburg where he obtained the 32nd Degree. He was a huge Nascar fan especially of Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Johnson. He enjoyed fishing with his family and deer watching with his wife. He was a popular permanent fixture at the Apple Tree Restaurant in Veedersburg.
Surviving is a daughter: Terresa (Ronald) Hatke of Waynetown, three grandchildren: Cara (Jeremy) Powell, Joseph Hatke, Jill Hatke. Two great-grandchildren: Sophie and Hunter Powell. Two brothers: Larry (Linda) Dockins of Jacksonville, FL, Bill (Karen) Dockins of Portage, IN. Four sisters: Collen Allen of Rockville, Faye (Carlie) Beliles of Crawfordsville, Suzanne (David) Coffing of Crawfordsville and Emogene (Joe) Lopez of Hammond, IN. Preceeding him in death are his parents, wife, sister Jewel Hutchins, brother Lester Dockins.
The family will receive guests Sunday, December 19th from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Family & Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Funeral services will be held, 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 20th, 2010 at Family & Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, with Pastor Mike Parks officiating, burial with graveside military services by Veedersburg American Legion Post will be in Waynetown Masonic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Veedersburg American Legion Post 288, with envelopes available at the funeral home. Visit us online to leave a condolence at www.familyandfriendsfh.com