Capt. Thomas F. WATKINS

FUNERAL HOME

Funeraria del Angel South Lawn

5401 South Park Ave

Tucson, Arizona

Thomas WATKINS Obituary

WATKINS, Capt. Thomas F., U.S.N, Ret. Tom Watkins, 90, departed on his "last great adventure" on September 26, 2017. Tom retired to Tucson in 1981, after a 34-year career as a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy, like his father, Vice Admiral F. T. Watkins, before him. Tom's service career included tours as a submarine captain, in joint strategic work at the Pentagon, and as a base commander. He was an avid hiker and backpacker in the mountains of Arizona and New Mexico. In 1994, he married Rita Jenkins and together they traveled by RV, visiting family and friends across the country. As a decade-long cancer survivor, he still enjoyed their trips to New Zealand and Australia, always eager to embrace new friends and experiences. Tom was a hospice volunteer, a member of the Unitarian Church and his local book club where he led discussions on politics and philosophy. Tom is survived by his wife, Rita; his children, Jay Watkins and Linda Koliopoulos (by his late wife, Jane Austin Watkins); his stepchildren, Elizabeth Jenkins, Carrie Werner and Joanna Jenkins; his brother, Jack Watkins and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A "Celebration of Life" Service will be held at Unitarian Universalist Church, 4831 E. 22nd, at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 20, 2017. Arrangements by FUNERARIA DEL ANGEL SOUTH LAWN.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Oct. 15, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas WATKINS

6 Entries

Timothy Beer

November 8, 2017

I was saddened to learn today of Tom's passing. I enjoyed my many conversations with him over the years. He will be truly missed.

Barbara Edwards

October 21, 2017

Tom was my dear friend for over 30 plus years. He was a hiking buddy and he and Rita have been great friends for many years. He was the most thoughtful and kind man that I know. Always cheerful and telling funny stories and he and Jack had some great stories. I will always remember his kind smile and always willing to help on any project as well as visited me after hip surgery. He was there when I had to put my dog to sleep. He was there waiting for 5 hours with my friend Kathleen after hip surgery. What a strong individual and everyone loved Tom and wanted to be around him and share stories and call him their friend. I treasure all these years I was lucky enough to call him a friend. Rita is in my heart and I will be there to comfort her forever as she too is a dear and faithful friend. People like these do not come around often and I will miss this man so very much. I am happy that you will be with your friend Jerry and all those friends that you cared about and are welcoming you my friend. Love and Kisses. We will try to keep up the ship sailing along in this life's adventure but we will miss you terribly.

Brotherhood of the Dolphin

Nick Nichols

October 18, 2017

To the Watkins Family,

On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on Thomas' passing. We grieve with you on the loss of your loved one and our shipmate. The SUBVETS will have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and Thomas, who earned his 'fish' when he qualified on USS CLAMAGORE SS-343, will always be remembered as a Brother of the Phin and a great Patriot.

CAPT(SS) Thomas F. Watkins
US Navy Submarine Veteran Retired
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch

Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate

Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, MTCM(SS) USN Ret.
Base Chaplain

Bill Dixon

October 16, 2017

On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), I offer our sincere condolences on Thomas' passing. You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. We are forever grateful for Thomas' service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service. To our Brother of the Phin we say, Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country."

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way." 2 Thess 3:16.

Thomas F. Watkins CAPT, US Navy, Now on Eternal Patrol.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate.

Bill Dixon, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.

Donna Hutchinson-Muri

October 15, 2017

I am writing this on behalf of myself and my parents Milly and Don Hutchinson. Tom and Rita were dear friends of my mom and dad,they enjoyed getting together for dinner,while the guys conversed on military matters and political events,the ladies retreated into another room avoiding any conversation of the for-mentioned topics. I remember Capt. Watkins as a gentleman, kind and sincere in his word. May Peace be with you, and your memories give you strength and comfort.

Robert and Majida Foster

October 15, 2017

A man for all seasons, a quality person all around!

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