Don Max Watkins was born in Sanderson, Texas, April 29, 1949, to Wayne and Orene Watkins. Don began his journey here on this earth with his twin brother Dan three months premature. As a result Dan did not survive and Don suffered a brain injury. As a child things that came easy for others did not come nearly so easy for Don. Don worked very hard just to be able to scoot across the floor. His father worked tirelessly with him and eventually Don learned to walk. The Watkins moved to Beaumont when Don was four so that he could attend special education. Don attended Crocket Junior High and graduated from French High School. Don was blessed with parents who understood the challenges he faced and did everything in their power to provide opportunities for both his physical and educational needs.
Don loved people and always saw the good in everyone and proved to be an inspiration to many. He led an exemplary life with his mother and father. He loved Calvary Baptist Church, the Wellness Center at St. Elizabeth, Lamar Basketball, the Dallas Cowboys, and his dog Max. In the last year his health began to fail and he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to be near family. On January 20, 2009, Don began another journey down the path that led him to stand before his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is there to claim his salvation and be ushered into the presence of God the Father.
Don is survived by his mother, Orene; his brother, Dick; and his sister-in-law, Nancy; one niece, Holly Watkins Ramsour; and four nephews, Jeb, Jace, Josh and Justice Watkins; three great nieces and one great nephew uncles, Cecil Watkins and his wife Vay of Beaumont, Jerald Adams and his wife Mary Nell, John Adams and his wife Ruth and Willie Adams and his wife Doris of Warren, Texas; cousin, Lisa Mosley and her husband David of Beaumont; and his aunt Gloria Blackwelder of Fort Stockton, Texas.
Friends are invited to attend a visitation and time of reflection from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, January 23, 2009, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. The funeral service will be 10:00 AM Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Calvary Baptist Church. Interment will be at 2:00PM at New Hope Cemetery off FM 1943 in Warren, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be make to Calvary Baptist Church, 3650 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
