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Jeffery Dean Watkins
February 2, 1959
January 14, 2013
Jeff was born in Reno, Nevada son of Charles (Chuck) Watkins and Lucy Miller. He was raised and educated in Reno, graduating from Reno High School in 1977. After graduation he worked for Lee Brothers Truck Rental and met his wife Claudia Lee, daughter of Dick Lee and Claudyne Lee, who he married in 1981. They recently celebrated their 30th anniversary.
Jeff owned Custom Aire Mechanical Contractors, where he worked with his son and business partner Brandon.
He served as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for Washoe County Sheriff's Department for 32 years, where he specialized in hostage negotiations for 14 years.
In addition to work, Jeff was very active in hunting with his son, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. He spent many hours building and racing his drag race car with the Watkins Family Racing Team and belonged to the West Coast Top Sportsmen Association.
He joined Reno Rodeo Association in 2001 and was a Reno Rodeo Director and on the Finance Committee. His passion was Special Kids Rodeo, where he was Chairman for 6 years. He also was involved in Steer Decorating and Mutton Busting. On the Security Committee he was known to many as the Rodeo Sheriff.
He is survived by his wife Claudia; his three children, Ericka Smith (Matt), Brandon (Samantha), and Gabby, and his canine kids, Stroker, Tobie, Gus and Tuele; his grandchildren Ashlee, Wyatt, and Maddee Smith, and Justin Jayme; his mother Opal Watkins; his brother Randy Watkins (Heidi) and nephew Nicholas; sister Donna Kusick (Wayne); and nieces Allison and Chrissy; sister Tammy Davis (Brandon); brother-in-law Michael Lee (Moniquia) and nephews Dustin and Gerald.
He was a devoted friend and family man and he will be forever in our hearts. A celebration of life, followed by a reception, will be held on Saturday, January 19th, at 11:00 am, at the Reno Elk's Lodge, 597 Kumle Ln. Reno. Casual attire, no black.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jeff's name to:
Living Stones Church, 445 S. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89501
Washoe County Honorary Deputies Sheriff's Association, 911 Parr Blvd. Reno, NV 89512
Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, 101 Pro Rodeo Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Online condolences may be expressed in the Book of Memories at the website www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I can still remember Jeff & Randy back in the early 60's in our neighborhood off California Ave where we freely roamed the streets riding our bikes and having so much fun. Jeff will always be in our hearts and remembered as a great Dad, brother and friend. Whenever Randy took me out to Jeff's house to see his cars he was always so gracious and funny to be around! Jeff is still missed so much by family and by this old guy who fondly looks back in time to when were kids and growing up together.
Mike O'Keefe
Friend
January 13, 2022
29 days ago today our lives changed forever! Dad we all miss you more and more each day. While our minds are wondering why and our hearts are aching we know you are at peace. We will never be able to hold your hand or hear you say you love us but we know you will look down from the racetrack in the sky and keep us all safe. Please send down your love to all of us and help us to continue to grieve and heal. Our hearts are full of the memories that can never be replaced. The happy times we all shared. We love you so much but we miss you so much more. May you rest in peace forever and we promise to keep your memory alive.
Ericka Smith
February 11, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Tracy Thornbury/ Shipp
January 27, 2013
My prayers are with you at this time, God Bless.
Bradley McKeachnie
January 22, 2013
May God bless the entire Watkins family during this tragic time. Jeff was a great man and will be dearly missed. I have fond memories of Jeff from growing up with Brandon. Take care of each other.
Megan Stover
January 22, 2013
Our hearts are very sad. May you find peace and comfort knowing that you have many friends who share your grief.
Korbie Neil
January 19, 2013
He truely was an amazing man and loved by so many. He will be missed alot. I am so sorry for your loss you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca Stonelake
January 19, 2013
One of the best men I've had the privilege to call a friend.
Brandon
January 19, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss of such a great guy. My heart hurts for your entire family. You're all in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Jeff.
Andrew Pointer
January 19, 2013
What a special family. Claudia and Gabby, remember the best of memories and all the lives you have touched who adore you . Jeff radiated that special spirit, and in his loss the legacy of amazing children and a beautiful wife will live on. Take comfort knowing in the most difficult times, you and the family are held dear in the hearts of many. Our love and support are with you. Wendy & Larry
Wendy Simons
January 18, 2013
Claudia and family, we were so sorry to hear of your loss. We are here if you need anything. Thinking of you at this difficult time
Clay and Debbie Backlund
January 18, 2013
Dear Claudia and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss! I never had the chance to meet Jeff but I send my love and prayers out to you all during this sad time. Take care of yourselves, and know that you have friends who are thinking of you!
Diana (Dee) Knight
January 18, 2013
Family, I'm lost for words this is all so tragic!! I'm so so sorry for this huge loss. Dad you will be missed so so much no words can explain it. You will never be forgotten and always loved. Hearing you say lil E will be so very missed with everything else great!! The race track will miss u and all the people their will to. I LOVE YOU. I will miss you so very much. Rest in Peace.
Erika
January 17, 2013
Claudia & family: As with everyone else, my prayers are with you. May you find peace in the knowledge that he is on the next journey of his eternal life and you will see him again. Love, Lu Stirling
January 17, 2013
Claudia - you and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers. So very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely, Gypsy Watson
Gypsy Watson
January 17, 2013
Claudia and Gabby my thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm here if you need anything.
Maura Cox
January 17, 2013
It was an honor to be introduced to you by Fred Grange almost five years ago, and work with you as HVAC contractor in my line of work as HOA manager for Sierra Vista Towers and Salem Plaza. Your caring, professionalism and ethics in every respect were unmatched. Always ready to help, suggest, recommend and the outcome of your always excellent. Your energy and spirit were so contagious and will live forever with those who respect and love you.
January 17, 2013
Claudia,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time for having to bare such a great loss.
May the strength, love and support from our lord and savior Jesus Christ be with you and your family.
Rob
January 17, 2013
Wonderful memories fill my heart and I am so grateful for the times we shared. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with all of the many people his life touched. You will be greatly missed.
Christina Byers
January 17, 2013
So sorry for your loss.
January 17, 2013
So sorry for your loss.
January 17, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss, our hearts and prayers are with you all.
Bartley Family
January 17, 2013
Sending all my thoughts, love and prayers to you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Please don't hesitate. Thinking of you all.
Christy Thomson
January 17, 2013
Jeff did a wonderful job caring for our HVAC and boiler needs at Sierra Vista Towers (SVT) in Reno. As a board member, major owner, and bay area contractor, I have discussed SVT issues on a weekly and sometimes daily basis for years. But since I never get to visit Reno, I never actually met Jeff. It is ironic that I plan to be in Reno at the end of this month and was looking forward to meeting Jeff face to face for the first time. Looks like I will now have to wait until we meet in heaven where I'm sure Jeff will have pre-set the temperature and humidity just right..
Fred Grange
January 17, 2013
Davy and I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Jeff. Davy has many fond memories of working with Jeff "back in the day" and we will never forget our trip with Jeff and Claudia to Honey Lake. Please take care of yourselves during this trying time and let your memories of Jeff carry you through. Davy and Cathy Jones
Davy Jones
January 17, 2013
Claudia, Erica, Gabby and Brandon,
We are so very sorry for your loss. I know that amazing, wonderful memories of all the things you did with Jeff, will bring you comfort in the days and years ahead. Know that we are there for you, to support you, in the days to come. All of our prayers and love,
The Wozniaks, John, Colleen, Kristin, Gerald and Shane. God Bless. Ps 91:11
Colleen Wozniak
January 17, 2013
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. HE IS 100% IN HEVEN AT THE BEST DRAG STRIP EVER.
WE WILL BE PRAYING FOR JEFF AND FAMLEY.
ANDY DALOOL
January 17, 2013
We are very sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Moropoulos Family
January 17, 2013
There is so much I would have liked to say to Jeff while I had the time, but it seems time is nothing but borrowed. So I will say this. You were a wonderful person, you were a huge part of a hard scary part of my life, you taught me to keep fighting and never let anything scare me. Thank You. I will miss you, my love and prayers go to your family whom I love so very much.
Patricia Sennert
January 17, 2013
So very sorry for the Watkins Family's loss. the entire family is in my thoughts and prayers in their time of sorrow and pain.
Wanda Gustin
January 17, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Jeff, although we only met 3 years ago, I consider you a good friend.
I'll miss you pal!!!
Rob Wirth
January 17, 2013
You are my little brother and someone that admired so much, I'm really going to miss you bro!! RIP, I Love You
January 17, 2013
January 17, 2013
Love You Guys
John Weller
January 17, 2013
My brother, my friend, I love you and miss you. Always and forever you will be in my heart.
Donna Kusick
January 17, 2013
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Dawn Bibbey
January 17, 2013
We will always remember good times together with our grandchildren.
Dennis and Pat Smith
January 17, 2013
What a loss to all who loved him. I didn't know him well enough, for sure, but loved him while I could.. My heart is hurting for Claudia and family.
Grace Watkins
January 17, 2013
Love you dad! You are forever in our hearts! We miss you so much already!
January 17, 2013
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