Richard E Watkins

His is the image that comes to mind when the young envision a heroic future and when the elderly remember a glorious past. He was the portrait of our greatest aspirations and the most gracious reciepient of our praise. He was born in Okeechobee, Florida on January 25th, 1917, and christened Richard Edward Watkins. He died peacefully on Monday, December 13th at the age of 93, with his loving family by his side.

Dick grew up in "The Glades" and as young man moved to West Palm Beach where he found the two loves of his life: flying and his future wife, the former Mary Francis "Pat" Kirkpatrick. They married in 1941 and had 69 loving years together.

In 1943 Dick was called into the army and became a first lieutenant in the US Army Air Corps. He spent a year flying a C-46 cargo plane across the treacherous skys of the Himalayas. "Flying the Hump" became on of World War II's best known operations, supplying China with gasoline and other vital cargo. In 2005 the Chinese goverment honored Dick, and the other 203 living Hump pilots , as well as the 1000 men and 600 planes that were lost.

In 1951 Dick was again called on for service to his county during the Korean conflict. He was stationed in Miami for 2 years as a pilot instructor. Back at home in West Palm Beach Pat waited her husband with their new sons Rick and Mike. Later on sons Wayne and Greg followed.

In 1953 the Dick and his family moved to College Park where he opened Watkins Paint & Wallpaper, a successful and highly respected family business. He retired in 1989.

Dick and Pat continued to enjoy an active social life, including bridge clubs and dance clubs. He was known for growing beautiful roses. He also enjoyed his volunter work at The Brothers Keeper of St. Charles food bank.

Dick is survived by his wife, four sons, 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, and a sister in Ft Meyers. A memorial service will be held at St. Charles Chuch on Friday, December 17th at 11 am. A reception will follow. Rememberances may be made to The American Cancer Society and The Brothers Keeper food bank.