Maj. DON EDWARD WATKINS, USAF, ret.

Fort Worth, Texas - Don E. Watkins was called by his Lord at the age of 92. He was born in Rosebud, Texas to C. O. Watkins and Lois E. Watkins. His parents died when he was very young. Under the care of his older sister Lois H. Ellison and her husband, Richard, he learned hard work, discipline, commitment, and self-reliance while working on the family cattle ranch.

 After two years in college in Texas, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his 20-year career as an officer, Don served in Vietnam, including numerous bombing missions in 1972 as part of the Operation Linebacker I and II.   Because of his outstanding military service, Don will be laid to rest with full military honors.

After his military career, Don worked for nearly three decades as a well-respected compliance officer for many financial services firms in North Texas.

Don devoted his life to service. He volunteered his time and resources to a variety of ministries in the Fort Worth area. He actively served underprivileged people through First Street Mission of First Methodist Church of Fort Worth.  He also served the homeless through Room at the Inn, a ministry supported by many local churches.  He was an active participant in many Bible studies during his time.

Among Don’s greatest pleasures were his Thursday morning breakfasts with his best friends. They shared laughter, many stories, and life experiences.

Don’s greatest joy in life was his family. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Suzanne Watkins; children David Watkins and Melanie, Doug Watkins and Sharon, and Lisa Gunn and Philip; ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and his sister, Mary Gray and her husband, Jack, all of whom he loved to tell to “have some fun”.

A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at 1:30 pm Sunday, March 17, in the Leonard Chapel at the First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, 800 W. Fifth Street, with visitation immediately following in Wesley Hall.  Military Honors will be given at 9:15 am Monday, March 18, at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy., Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Hope Farms and First Street Mission Ministry of First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth.