Richard Freedom Watkins

Born on September 2, 1935, Richard was the 3rd child of Lavawn ”Happy” Watkins and Franklin F. Watkins. He grew up in the greater Los Angeles area where he met the love of his life, Sandra Sue Simmons. They were married on March 16th 1956 and recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary

In 1970 Rich and Sandra moved to the Santa Ynez Valley to raise their three children. Richard was the founder, and for over 40 years, the owner and manager of Aero Industries in Buellton, and was also a successful part-time real estate agent and worked with his wife Sandra, a real-estate Broker. Richard and Sandra lived in the Santa Ynez Valley for over 20 years, and relocated in 1997 to Escondido to enjoy their retirement. An accomplished poker player, Rich, his children and his grandchildren all enjoyed family poker games and other card games. Richard is survived by his wife Sandra, three sons, David Wayne Watkins (Elizabeth), Daniel Wade Watkins (Elyssa) and Duane Warren Watkins (Patricia), nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and is deeply missed.