Eugene Walter Watkins

Eugene "Gene" Watkins was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on March 16, 1919. He passed away on July 23, 2013. In his early life he lived in Lake Charles and New Orleans, LA. Later his family moved to Houston, where he spent the rest of his life. Gene graduated from San Jacinto High School, and then attended the University of Houston. He had just finished his second year of Law School when he enlisted in the Marine Corp.

Gene loved telling war stories and often told strangers, "I served every day of World War II in the U.S. Marines". In 1942 Gene married Virginia Nolan. They were married sixty-three years, until her death in 2005. Gene had a long career in business. He retired from Utica Mutual Insurance Company at 65. He had been their Texas State Manager. After that he became a Private Investigator for several years. Gene was a Master Mason and was a 50 year plus member of Gray Lodge 329. He received his thirty-second degree from the Scottish Rite Valley in 1957 and was a Shriner active in Arabia Temple.

He is survived by his son Michael; daughter, Becky Rishe, and husband Don; grandchildren Marc Leifeste and wife Nicole; Amy Varon, Christopher Watkins and Trey Rishe; great-grandchildren, Conner Leifeste, Raelynn Leifeste and Gabriel Varon; Sisters-in law Melba Jamail and Theodosia Nolan, and Elaine Byrd along with numerous other nieces and nephews. Gene is also survived by his very special "Sweetie" Jane Dunivan.

In Lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Marine Corp League at 1911 Hilton Head Drive, Missouri City, Texas 77459.