Mr. Albert Watkins

Albert Watkins, 80, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, after

suffering a stroke. Born on November 6, 1945, in West Point, Mississippi. Albert grew

up surrounded by the rhythms of his family's farm life, tending their cows and earning a

reputation for dedication and hard work.

As a bold and courageous 18-year-old, he enlisted in the military in June 1964 and

served until June 1970. A proud Army veteran, Albert served during the Vietnam War,

an experience that shaped his resilience, humility, and sense of duty. Albert embodied

strength and perseverance. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Good

Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. After

his service, he returned to civilian life with quiet dignity, dedicating himself to the simple

joys he loved most – his family, his land, and the open road. He found joy in simple

routines, honest labor, and the comfort of familiar landscapes. Influenced by his Cousin

Ola Mae Gray, he lived in Detroit, Michigan, in the early 1970's working for Ford Motor

Company. In 1975, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri, to be closer to his siblings,

Gola, Mary, and Sidney, where he worked as a cab driver and a real estate investor,

owning commercial and rental properties.

His kindness and steadfast nature touched all who knew him. Albert found happiness in

the simple pleasures – spending time with loved ones, including constructing a family

home for his parents, working the land, and taking long drives through the countryside.

To those around him, he was known for his good heart, unwavering devotion to family,

and an honest day's work. Those who knew him will remember him as a man with a

good heart and steady hands.

Albert is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Randle, a nurse; son, Attorney Jermaine

Albert Wyrick; two sisters, Mary Catherine Manlove and Annie Ruth Crawford; one

brother, Frank Daniel Watkins; and four grandchildren, Michael Jacob, Khloe Jacob,

Jean Jacques Jacob, and Aniyah Wyrick; numerous nephews and nieces, including his

loving, supportive, steadfast niece Alice Watkins. He was preceded in death by his

parents, Wooster and Alice Watkins, four sisters, Woodie Mae Nance, Ola Augusta

Brown, Mary Alice Davidson, Gola Nell Watkins, and eight brothers, Stephen Watkins,

Sidney Lee Watkins, Price Ivy Watkins, Andrew Louis Watkins, Wooster Watkins Jr.,

Rutherford Watkins, John Ralph Watkins, and Woodrow Watkins.

Though he is gone, Albert's gentle presence and enduring spirit remain a guiding light to

all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Funeral services Friday, January 30, 2026 at 10:00am at Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation 9:00am-10:00am at the chapel. Arrangement entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolences may be shared on this website. Services will be lived streamed www.mstcsunset.com