Myron Eugene Watkins 1932 - 2020

JOHNSON, WATKINS, MATTHEWS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 12/25/2020 at 16:46:56

Onawa Democrat
9 December 2020

Myron (Mike) Watkins

Myron Eugene Watkins, 88, of Lenexa, KS, passed away Thursday November 26, 2020, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 3, at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, in Lenexa, Kansas, 66215. Burial will be immediately following at Resurrection Cemetery. Honorary Bearers will be

Rebecca Parezo, Robert Conard,Brandon Parezo, Taylor Watkins, Tanner Watkins, Elizabeth Conard, Emily Conard, Lauren Thompson, Jacob Thompson, Aidan Watkins, Trevor Thompson, and Margaret Watkins.

Mike contracted COVID 19 prior to his passing and in his honor we would like to keep everyone safe. To that end, the funeral Mass and burial will be attended by direct family only. The family is appreciative of those at home praying the rosary if you are Catholic, or offering other prayers if not, for Mike and his family at this difficult time.

Mike was born September 22, 1932, in Correll, Minnesota to Joseph and Gudrun (Johnson) Watkins. He was a graduate of Onawa High School in Onawa, Iowa. Mike proudly enlisted and served in the United States Navy after high school. Following the Navy, he attended Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, where he played football. It was during this time that he happened upon the love of his life, Donna Jane Matthews, at the bank in which she worked. Mike and Donna were married on June 21, 1958. After college, Mike spent many years employed in the meat packing industry. Mike started his career with Swift & Company In Sioux City and then had a long tenure with Iowa Beef Processors (IBP, Inc.) working and managing in several facilities in Iowa (Sioux City, Fort Dodge, Denison, and Perry) as well as West Point, Nebraska and Luverne, Minnesota. He finished his career managing Marshalltown Cold Storage in Marshalltown, Iowa. Not only was Mike known for his strong work ethic: he was a dedicated husband, father and community member. He coached Little League Baseball for many summers in Denison. He served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph Parish in Wisner, Nebraska and at Sacred Heart Parish, in Des Moines. Mike loved being surrounded by his family and always put them first. He was friendly to anyone and everyone he met. He enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes sporting events. Mike also was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and enjoyed family gatherings while watching games. Mike was one of nine children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Gudrun Watkins and one brother, Loren Watkins.

Mike is survived by his wife Donna (Matthews) Watkins, his children Jill Conard (Jack), Brenda Parezo (Mike), Pat Watkins (Pam), Mary Beth Thompson (Dave),and Matt Watkins (Jen), his siblings Jeanette Casperson (Kenny), Evelyn Freerking , Clayton Watkins (Jo Marie), Richard Watkins (Pat), Joe Watkins, Gayle Smith (Grady), Dora Zerante, a sister in law Pat Calvillo, his grandchildren Rob Conard, Elizabeth (Conard) Meeker, Emily Conard, Becky Parezo, Brandon Parezo, Taylor Watkins, Tanner Watkins, Trevor Thompson, Lauren Thompson, Jake Thompson, Aiden Watkins, Maggie Watkins his greatgrandchild Brooke Conard and many extended family and friends.

Mike’s life exemplified this quote;

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one come to you without leaving happier.”

-Mother Teresa

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