Michael Edward Watkins

Mr. Michael Edward Watkins, age 65, of Temple went home to Jesus on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. He was born in Topeka, Kansas on January 26, 1959. Mr. Watkins was the son of the late, Harold Watkins I. and the late, Betty Louise Wenstrom. Michael is also preceded in death by two brothers, Harold Watkins II and Randall Watkins.

Mr. Watkins served in the United States Army for ten years. During his service, Michael was stationed at a number of places around the world, some of which include Germany, Grenada, Somalia, and at the Demilitarized Zone that borders North and South Korea. Mr. Watkins also served as a personal driver for a Three Star General and the Secretary of Defense. During his last years of service, Michael served on the Funeral Detail for the United States Army Honor Guard. Following his time in the Military, Michael worked for 15 years with Marietta Drapery, he recently retired from Discount Salvage of Temple, and was a member of Liberty Christian Church in Temple. Mr. Watkins enjoyed going trout fishing, camping, watching Georgia Bulldogs Football, and NASCAR, with his favorite driver being Kyle Larson. Michael was known for his kindness and his ability to never meet a stranger. Michael was deeply loved by his family, by his military family, by his Church family, and by all his many friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter and her fiancé, Cheyenne Watkins and Triston Turner of Temple; his mama, Josephine Watkins of Temple; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Robert and Donna Watkins of Gadsden, Alabama and Scott Watkins of Temple; by four sisters and one brother-in-law, Pam Creason of Oregon, Barbara Watkins of Temple, Carolyn Dermo of Temple, and Susan and Mike Ingram of Temple. Mr. Watkins is also survived by his grandchildren, Raven, Sebastian, by one grandson on the way, and by numerous nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Mr. Watkins’ arrangements, he will be cremated.

The family will host a Memorial Service on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 4P.M. at Liberty Christian Church in Temple with Pastor Phillip Wynn officiating. Military Honors will be presented at the Church by the United States Army Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends at the Church, prior to the service, from 2P.M. until 4P.M.

Private Interment will follow at a later date in Liberty Christian Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a love offering be made “In Michael Watkins Memory” to the charity of your choosing.

Messages of condolence can be made to the family by signing the online Tribute Wall at www.croftfuneralhome.com .

Cremation services are being provided by Hutcheson-Croft Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Temple.