Mr. Utah Watkins, Jr.

There will be a Memorial Service held for Mr. Watkins at the Second Baptist Church in Olathe, KS, at 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 29th. Military honors will also be performed at this service. Utah was born on July 31st in Oklahoma City to Utah and Neley B. (Jackson) Watkins. He was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, his parents, two sisters, his brother and his son, Preston. Utah was educated in the Oklahoma Public School System, and is a proud graduate of Douglas High School, Class of 1963. He attended Howard University but was drafted into the U.S. Army on Thanksgiving Day, 1965. He completed his service as a military policeman and the reserve duty. After discharge, Utah began a career with the Federal Aviation Authority which spanned 30 years. He was promoted from an Air Traffic Controller, to instructor at the FAA Academy, Supervisor and General Manager before he retired. Despite the interruption, Utah completed a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Praire View A&M, and a Master of Science Degree in Business Management from American Nazarene University. Utah learned to play the Saxophone in high school under Mr. William E. Perry, who also developed his singing voice. He played different woodwinds in several bands, and was sought after to play the baritone sax. Utah shared his gift by playing at nursing homes every Friday morning for 25 years. He sang in church choirs in Houston Texas, Oklahoma City, and Olathe Kansas. Utah rebuilt and rode a motorcycle, but golf became the next passion later in his life. He had fond memories of games with his cousins, Fraternity brothers and friends. Utah followed the mentors and role models in his life and was initiated in the Eta Iota Graduate Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in Oklahoma City. He helped to purchase and restore their Fraternity House. Utah served two terms as President of the Beta Omega Chapter in Kansas City, MO. He completed many hours of community service and attended regional conferences with his brothers. Utah accepted Christ at a young age, and was a faithful member of the Second Baptist Church. He loved Bible Study classes and singing in the male chorus. Utah was a family man who dearly loved his siblings, wife, children and grandchildren. He married Defoe Halstied and to that union twin boys Preston and Ross were born. He married Mary Edmonds, and raised her daughter Stacy and grandson Cameron. Utah did not believe in using the word “step”. He leaves to cherish his memory his spouse Jenise, son Ross, Lorin, and Wil Comer, sister Iris Hudson ( Wilbur). His grandchildren are Gabriel, Michael, Alysia, Jason, Jacob, Jason, Kailiqueand Tyler. Two daughters-in-laws Nicole and Shirley, 7 sisters- in-law, three brothers-in-law, special cousins Lem, Ron, Delores, and Lorene all thought the world of Utah. Along with a host of nieces, nephews and other cousins, fraternity brothers, and church members. Lifelong friends Carole Brown, Ernest Bush, and Walter Thompson also mourn his passing. Utah was a generous man who believed in giving, and had empathy for others with different needs. He never missed an opportunity to provide support, encouragement, advice or lend help in way. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 22 at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 on Saturday, June 29th at Second Baptist Church in Olathe, Kansas. The family requests donations to the Beta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in lieu of flowers. There will also be a 10 a.m. viewing at Tabernacle Baptist Church just before the Homegoing Service.

Mr. Utah Watkins, Jr.

July 31, 1945 - June 7, 2019

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Mr. Utah Watkins, Jr.

July 31, 1945 - June 7, 2019

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support