Thomas Edward “Hat” Watkins, 72, stepped into heaven Sunday, March 10, 2013. He was surrounded by a loving family and greeted by the Lord Jesus Christ and many loved ones who have gone before him. Tom, the fourth son of Bessie Mae Watkins and Bill Watkins, was born on August 7, 1940, in Beaumont, where he resided all of his life. He attended Amelia Elementary, Amelia Junior High, and graduated from South Park High School in the class of 1958.

He had various jobs including a flagman at M&M Air Service, a welder, a brick layer, a car salesman extraordinaire, and an entrepreneur. For the last several decades, he has been an independent contractor. Concrete and metal buildings were his specialty; from the foundation up, his buildings were built solid and able to withstand any storms that came their way, including hurricanes Rita and Ike. Tom’s strong work ethic of getting things done and doing them well was an inspiration to those who knew him. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord….” Colossians 3:23

Tom had the remarkable gift of finding and acquiring the exact item that any given person, friend, or acquaintance may be looking for. Whether it was a car, a piece of equipment, a horse, real estate, or whatever, Tom found it at the best price. He received much joy through meeting the needs of others. From providing loaner cars, mowing friend’s lawns, or helping others achieve their dreams, Tom was a man you could count on.

Tom’s family meant the world to him and he treasured the times spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He often spoke of how proud he was of all of their accomplishments.

A devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a loving brother, and a loyal friend, a hard worker, Tom Watkins was one of the most generous, kind-hearted men who ever lived. His love and compassion will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his daughters, Janet Kizziah and Karen Watkins Blaylock and her husband, Jerry, all of Nederland; sons, Bobby Kizziah and his wife, Sue, of Sour Lake; Thomas Kizziah of Beaumont; and Gerald Watkins and his wife, Deborah, of Mauriceville; fourteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Jim Watkins of Beaumont; and sister, Peggy Martin of Friendswood.

He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, James Edward Salter; and brothers, William Henry Watkins, Jr., Larry Watkins, and Terry Watkins.

A gathering of Mr. Watkins’ family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2013, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2013, at Broussard’s, with a graveside service at 2:00 p.m., Saturday afternoon, at Oaklawn Cemetery, Welsh, Louisiana.