Walter "Frank" Watkins

Walter (Frank) Franklin Watkins passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his dearest loved ones on October 19th 2024. Frank was born into the world on November 12, 1940 in Indio, California. He was the eldest son of Henry Everett and Edith Claire Watkins (Reneé Tedford). In his formative years, he worked on a date farm owned by his Grandfather. He also assisted his father Henry with running a family run fruit stand, in Indio, California. He had a close affection to his mother Edith, and did all he could to help her support their family. His impressive work ethic and immeasurable drive led him to San Jose State, where he studied electric engineering and technology infrastructure. In addition to his curriculum at San Jose State, he played college football, which earned him the fitting physique moniker “Frank the Tank”. He diligently finished his college years at Southern Methodist University in Texas. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and was promptly courted by several companies upon graduation for his technical adeptness and prolific knowledge of electronics and technology. Frank was on campus the legendary day JKF was assassinated. He was always happy to tell the story, as he witnessed a historical event, first hand, of United States history. Frank met the love of his life, Catherine Ann McIntyre (Watkins) at a local college pizza joint the “Ugly Ugly” in Sunnyvale, California. They were married on December 17, 1967. They enjoyed over 50 years of marriage, until Catherine’s passing in 2019. Frank and Cathy delightfully welcomed their adopted identical twin daughters Kathleen Marie and Kristine Anne in 1976. Frank used to make their floats in the annual Miami, Florida twin parade! He was so proud of his daughters, and loved being a father. “Katie and Kristie” were the apples of his eye, his “Sweet Peas”. Frank was a highly devoted and dedicated husband and father. He consistently excelled and exceeded all expectations during his 50 plus year tenure at General Electric. He won several awards and accolades, including free vacations that he proudly treated his family to regularly. One of the proudest moments of his life was when his daughter Kathleen was awarded a BFA Summa Cum Laude from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and went on to live in NYC as a highly regarded fashion/costume designer and fine artist, designing and making clothing for celebrities, for television, and for movies. Frank loved going to Reno Nevada every year for the annual “Hot August Nights” a renowned classic car showcase with themed events around the fabulous 50s. He would often reminisce about all of the magnificent cars from the 50s he owned throughout his life. He was especially proud of his mid-1960s green Triumph TR4 sports car. Frank met his final life companion Tamara Lou (Moen) Watkins in 2019. They enjoyed their twilight years together, and were married in Reno, Nevada in 2021, until his passing. He is preceded in passing by his beloved wife Catherine, his cherished twin daughter Kristine Anne Watkins (Kearney-Bradshaw), brother Robert (Bob) Steven Watkins, and his parents, Henry and Edith Watkins. He is greatly loved and missed by his daughter, Kathleen Marie Watkins of Memphis, TN, brother James (Jim) Henry Watkins of Sand Point, Idaho, longtime friends Bob and Lynn and Nancy and Adrian, brother William (Bill) Tedford Watkins of Saratoga, CA, grandson L’Andrew Watkins, second wife Tamara (Moen) Watkins, and step daughter Shelley Hanlin. Frank was a shining example of the American Dream realized. All his childhood dreams came true 100 times; all through his relentless drive, his passion for excellence, and his unmatched work ethic. He deserves a well-earned eternal rest.

Walter "Frank" Watkins

November 12, 1940 - October 19, 2024