Thomas Eugene WatkinsAug. 25, 1920 - Nov. 11, 2009Long-time Corvallis resident, Thomas Eugene "T.E." Watkins, 89, passed away at home in his sleep on Veterans Day.Thomas was a Native Oregonian and Veteran who was born and raised in Tillamook, and saw action in Alaska during World War II.  Thomas was one of 10 children born to Edward Thomas Watkins and Hazel Shaw-Watkins.  Thomas worked for the Railway Express Agency for more than 30 years before the company filed for bankruptcy in 1975. He worked at East Texas Motor Freight and other hauling businesses until his retirement.He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gene Rose Vitale Watkins, and immediate family members James and Joanne Watkins, Thomas and Terri Watkins, Mary Morton, and Robert and Megan McQueen, and his grandchildren, Sean and Becky Harding, Matthew and Genna Watkins and Katie and J.T. McQueen.Thomas was preceded in death by four of his brothers, Morrey, Robert, Ford, and James Watkins, and two of his sisters, Florence Harris and Joanne Hubbard.  His sisters Dorothy Hyde/Harris, Margaret Winrich and Mary Stewart survive him, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.Thomas was an avid sports fan, and particularly enjoyed watching boxing and Beaver and Duck football.   He loved his family and especially enjoyed attending family reunions that were often held in Tillamook. He was a volunteer at St. Mary's Church and the Stone Soup kitchen for many years, and remembrances can be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church in support of that program. A funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church.  AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is in charge of services ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).