Michael "Mike" Wayne Watkins

Mike was a 1974 graduate of Harrison High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Lisa Lea (Madison) Watkins, in 1976, and they shared 48 loving years together.

He spent his entire 43-year career with Mead Johnson, where he began working the production line. His curiosity and love for electronics led him to take classes at Ivy Tech, which opened doors for advancement. Over the years, he transitioned into maintenance and later into telecommunications, steadily building a career through skill, determination, and lifelong learning. Even as corporate transitions brought changes, Mike remained a valued employee until his retirement in 2017.

A man of deep faith and quiet strength, Mike never met a stranger. He was always willing to lend a hand, offer encouragement, or share a laugh. He believed that a well-lived life began with a strong spiritual foundation. This philosophy guided him daily, and he modeled the importance of aligning one’s spiritual, mental, and physical health, always placing faith first. Like the pilgrim in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Mike walked his journey with purpose and perseverance. He faced challenges—including his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2014—with grace, courage, and hope, keeping his eyes fixed on what truly mattered. His love for activity and movement defined much of his life—from powerlifting, cycling, to competing in handball and racquetball, and later, embracing pickleball. He remained deeply engaged in the community and was instrumental in the community effort that led to the construction of new pickleball courts at Wesselman Park through Evansville Parks and Recreation.

Above all, Mike was a devoted family man who loved his family fiercely. He was a protector, jokester, and someone who truly loved his sweets. He cherished time with his grandchildren and considered it one of life’s greatest honors to be their “Papa.”

Mike treasured the lifelong friendships he built over the years—whether forged through work, church, sports, or community service. These relationships brought him great joy and support, and he considered his friends to be family. Mike will be remembered for his kindness, faith, and the joy he brought to others. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friends who loved him, and the community he served.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James D. “Jack” and Delores Watkins; twin brothers, Gary and Jerry, and his brother, Dennis.

Mike is survived by his wife, Lisa; daughters, April (Adam) Wason and Melanie (Scott) Ayers; grandchildren, Caleb Gosney, Keller Wason, Isabella Ayers, Quinn Wason, and Chase Ayers; brothers, Jim (Winnie), Steve (Crystal) and sister-in-law, Vera (wife of his late brother, Dennis); as well as many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson's Disease of Evansville/PDEVV Hub, https://www.pdevvhub.org

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until noon at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN, followed by a private graveside service for family.

Condolences may be made at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.