John Daniel Watkins' Obituary
John was born January 26, 1939 at his Grandmother's house in Plano, Texas to mother, Martha Louise Waits Watkins, and father, Kenneth D. Watkins. He had an older brother, Roddy, grandparents, many aunts and uncles, and 30 or more cousins; a great, loving and close knit family that shared holidays, vacations, and life's special occasions together for many years.
His family moved south into Dallas when his father went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone. He went to elementary and junior high school there and graduated from North Dallas High School in 1957. He was a good student and an excellent athlete in both baseball and basketball with loving parents that always supported his efforts in all he attempted.
John was then accepted to SMU and Delta Chi fraternity. He continued there until Uncle Sam drafted him into the Army where he served his country for 2 years in the Tank Division and 4 years in the Army Reserves. He returned to SMU and graduated in 1966, having worked his way through college. He was then hired by G.E. for their Contract Sales Division in Dallas. He was young, single, traveling, and loving life in his new Corvette!
In 1970, he met Dianne - they fell in love and were married in 1971. A year later, they were transferred to Lubbock, Texas where both of their daughters were born.
In 1977, they moved back home to the Dallas area and bought a home in Richardson where they lived, loved, and raised their girls. John was made President of the Guenther Company serving the huge electronics industry that thrived in North Texas during that time. He remained there until retirement. They lived in that same Richardson home for over 40 years before downsizing to a smaller home in Murphy, Texas.
John has been a devout Christian all his life. He is beloved by all who knew him and we are grateful that he has always been the spiritual head of our family.
John is survived by his devoted wife of over 52 years, Dianne Watkins; daughters Tracey Fulkersin (Michael) and Susan Weller (Dan); grandchildren Shelby Jones and Trenton Fulkersin; sister-in-law Dee Watkins, niece Julie Welch, nephew Mark Watkins; brother-in-law John Swafford (Lynne), nephews Rob, Whit, and Ben; and sister-in-law Joanie Morfey (Piers).
A memorial service honoring John's life will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Town North Presbyterian Church 1776 North Plano Rd. Richardson, Texas 75081.
If desired, memorials can be made to Town North Presbyterian Church Deacon's Fund or Disabled American Veterans
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