Robert K. WATKINS

(Age 79)

Robert "Bob" Watkins, of Colbert, WA, passed away at Sacred Heart Hospital, Spokane, WA, on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Bob was born on May 4, 1946, in Ilwaco, WA, to Paul and Mabel Watkins. He grew up in Spokane, WA, and graduated from Rogers High School in 1964. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve in May 1963 and later served two active-duty tours in Vietnam, in Chu Lai from 1965-66 and Da Nang in 1967. He remained in the Navy Reserve until May 1970. Bob joined the Washington Air National Guard in June 1979 and served until July 1987, when he returned to the Navy Reserves. Bob retired from his military service in December 1996.

Bob enjoyed a 32-year career as a Washington State Patrol Trooper. He was commissioned on January 12, 1970. He worked 27 years in north Spokane, including Walla Walla, Davenport and Reardan. Bob retired from WSP on June 30, 2002.

Bob spent much of his life volunteering and serving others. He was an active member of both the Cheney Rodeo Association and the Knights of Columbus. He was a Life Member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) for over 50 years. He served as VFW Post 51 Commander and Quartermaster and as the VFW District 9 Commander. One of Bob's most rewarding volunteer positions was for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Spokane where he served in roles such as helping with flu shot and making and distributing popcorn as a form of patient outreach. Bob was always willing to step up and help in whatever capacity was needed.

Bob had many hobbies such as woodworking, golfing, and playing cribbage. He enjoyed any activity that allowed him to build and create things and that gave him the opportunity to interact with others.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Paul Watkins; and his mother, Mabel Watkins. He is survived by his wife, Lynne; brothers, Steve Watkins (Debby) and Brian Norski (Jori); children, Annette Phipps (Ken), Ron Watkins (Anesia), Jody Younker (Todd), Jamie Cosand (John Krause), and Geoff Cosand (Jenni); grandchildren, Amber Mocalis (Nate), Robert Scott, Joseph Scott (Nicole), Brian Scott (Stephanie), Brea Johnson, Ryann Younker, Jordan Watkins, Kayden Younker, Cooper Cosand, Dylynne Cosand, and Jaydon Watkins; and great-grandchildren, Alex Mocalis, Emma Mocalis, Braelyn Engstrom, Jackson Mocalis, Lewis Scott, Lillian Scott, Eloise Scott, Sawyer Scott, Kingsley Johnson, Henry Scott, and Theodore Scott.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Colbert, WA, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with a reception to follow at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to Spokanimal and New Hope Resource Center.