Friday, December 20th, 2019
Edward Watkins
Edward A Watkins, Age 88, passed away of natural causes on August 31, 2019, near his longtime home in Dana Point, California.
He was born December 19, 1930 in Fort Recovery, Ohio, to the late Edgar and Hazel Watkins. On August 25, 1956, Edward married the love of his life, the late Joan Elaine Carlson.
Surviving are three sons and one daughter, Todd and Debbie Watkins of Malvern, Pennsylvania, Gregg and Gina Watkins of San Diego, California, Karl and Kristin Watkins of San Clemente, California, and Kari and Randy Padilla, of Mission Viejo, California; and 8 grandchildren, Stephen and Courtney Watkins of Malvern, Pennsylvania, Nicole, Matthew and Jason Watkins of San Clemente, California, and Chloe, Zoe and Christian Padilla of Mission Viejo, California. He is also survived by his niece Kay Wolfrum of Winter Springs, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Elaine Carlson, who passed away on November 7, 2008. He was also preceded in death by one sister and brother in law, Marceil and Douglas Grant of Florida.
Edward Watkins graduated from Fort Recovery High School in 1948, and then attended Miami University of Ohio and obtained his Masters Degree. He spent several years in the teaching field, before working in various Executive and Directing capacities for Sperry Univac, which later became Unisys.
Over the years, his job positions and promotions took him and his family from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Salt Lake City, Utah, and then over to London, England. He and the family returned to the United States and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before moving to San Clemente, California. From there, they moved to Villanova, Pennsylvania, and finally returned permanently to Sunny Southern California, settling in Dana Point.
Edward Watkins loved his family, and provided them an extraordinary life, traveling the world and experiencing different cultures. He loved his sports - Basketball, Football and Baseball. He enjoyed going to the movies, fine dining and spending time with family.
He was a caring husband and father, a leader and intellect with a sense of humor. He is loved beyond words, and missed beyond measure.