Mr. Watkins died April 7, 2025, at home with his loving wife holding his hand. He suffered many years with Agent Orange disabilities. He was born in Oklahoma City, OK on February 28, 1947. The family moved to New Mexico when Edward was 2 months old.

He attended school in Prewitt and Grants, New Mexico. He also held M98 contractor's license and was a member of Welders and Pipe Fitters Union 412.

Edward served in the US Army during the VietNam War which included two tours, and he suffered many health issues from that war and was 100% disabled since 1998. He was a member of THE BIG RED ONE infantry.

Survivors include his wife Carolie; son Edward Watkins Jr. and wife Tonia of Aztec, NM; son Michael Lee Watkins and wife Janeen of Bloomfield, NM; daughter Cece Gould Bennett and husband Kaelin of Silverton, OR; stepdaughter Jamie Webb and husband Matt of Mesa, AZ; and a daughter by choice Mary Kay Bazemore and husband Rick of Moyers, OK. nine grandchildren: Edward Watkins III, Kael Williams, Breanna Watkins, Chad Watkins, Collyn Thur, McKenzie Watkins, Christian Webb, Zarin Webb, and Allyson Webb, and one great grandson Miles Thur, and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Pete and May Watkins, brothers Jim Watkins, and Jesse Watkins.


A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 2PM at Serenity Funeral Service in Antlers, OK. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army.

Military burial will be at 2:30PM April 21, 2025 at Fort Gibson, OK.

Services are under the direction of Serenity Funeral Service and Cremations.