Richard Gale Watkins

Richard G. Watkins passed away at home on October 29th, 2025. He was 94 years old. Born in 1931 in Blaine County Montana near the town of Chinook. He was delivered at home by his grandfather, Benjamin Franklin Watkins Sr. In 1932 the family gave up their holdings in Montana and moved to Sherwood, OR where they resided until 1937. When Richard was six years old the family moved to Fife, Washington where he graduated from high school. In 1949 the family relocated to Tacoma, WA. He met his wife, Marlene in 1956 and in January 1957 they were married in San Francisco, CA where their three daughters; Catherine, Susan and Sharon were born. He moved his family back to Tacoma in 1962 to accept a job offer connected to the preparations for the World's Fair in Seattle. He later attended Tacoma Vocational Institute between 1963-64 before taking a job at KRNS radio station in Burns, OR where he worked as a radio announcer until 1975 when the station sold. He was offered the job of managing the Palace Café and Lounge for J.C. Tiller, who eventually sold it to Richard and Marlene. Richard worked there until he retired and sold the property in 2020. He joined the local Elks Lodge in 1965 and was a proud lifetime member. He served as the treasurer of the lodge for over 10 years and as Exalted Ruler in 1974-75. He was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department for 14 years and served as an ambulance driver.
Richard enjoyed telling stories about his family and his life in Burns. He had many memories of times at KRNS, the Elks Lodge and the Palace. He was an avid San Francisco 49's fan. He passed at home as was his request and will be missed by family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Bernice Watkins, his wife of 63 years Marlene, his brother, Benjamin W. Watkins, his daughter, Sharon A. Wagner,a grandson, Trevor L. Petersen and a nephew, Eric Watkins. His son-in-law, Steven Wagner and grandson-in-law, Joshua Sherpard.
He is survived by two daughters, Catherine Petersen and Susan Watkins Hughes (spouse, Edgar). Seven grandchildren, Amanda Bunger (spouse, Brent), Steven (Jim) Wagner (spouse, Miranda) Jennifer Shepard, Emma Powning (spouse Issac), Chelsea Cassens (spouse, Tanner), Caleb Hughes, and Cameron Petersen (spouse Kaylee). A sister-in-law, Julie Cunningham (spouse, Jerry). Richard is also survived by fifteen great-grandchildren, three nieces and three nephews.
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