Donald D. Watkins, 93 years, of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 21, 2023, in Novi, Michigan.
Born June 25, 1930, in Newton Falls, OH. Don was the son of the late Herbert and Mabel (Stock) Watkins. He attended Monroe Public Schools and was a 1948 graduate of Monroe High School. While in high school, Don was a class officer and played basketball and football.
Don served his country honorably in the United States Navy. While in the Navy, he received the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal with the European Clasp.
On June 30, 1951, Don married his beloved wife, the former Arlola B. "Lou" Minton, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Monroe.
Don began his working life as a Milkman; he then became a Line Design Technician for Detroit Edison. Don decided to go into business for himself by starting Watkins Management, which owned and operated 31 Martinizing Dry Cleaning establishments. He also owned ImageFirst, a laundry service for the healthcare industry. He never seemed to get around to retiring.
Don was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher and taught Sunday School. He enjoyed golfing and was a former member of Monroe Golf and Country Club. Don was a huge fan of The Michigan Wolverine Football Team, held season tickets, and enjoyed tailgating for many years. He and Lou enjoyed time spent at the family cabin on Hubbard Lake and their winter home in Niceville, FL. Don will be remembered as being good to his employees, loving and spending time with family, and having a glass of wine.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Lou; three loving sons: Greg A. (Kristin) Watkins of Polebridge, MT, Todd D. (Jill) Watkins of Ann Arbor, and Kurt H. (Angela) Watkins of Buckeye, AZ; nine cherished grandchildren: Christopher (Kim), Calie (Jarrod), Collin, Emily, Kathleen. John, Connor, Brady, Addison, and one treasured great grandson, Wyatt.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by three brothers: Ozzie, Kenny, and Gene, and three sisters: Peg Shilliday, Wanda Grancitelli, and Anna Jacobs.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 2 – 8 pm at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, Michigan, 48161. On Friday, October 6, 2023, he will lie in state at St. Paul's United Methodist Church from 10:00 am until funeral services, celebrating Don's life at 11:00 am. A private interment will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Paul's United Methodist Church.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .