Richard F. Watkins

Richard F. Watkins, 87, of Perrysburg, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2023. He was born on June 17, 1935 in Akron, to Henry F. Watkins and Iva M. (McKinnie) Watkins. Richard graduated from Whitmer High School in 1953. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and his master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Toledo. Richard began his career at Kroger, before joining Marathon Oil Company for 7 years. He retired in 2009 as the Executive Vice-President at Northwest Ohio Administrators after 43 years of service.

He was a 57-year member of Perrysburg First United Methodist Church, leading and facilitating many adult Sunday school discussions. He enjoyed many years with the Perrysburg Boat Club, serving as commodore and as a member of the board. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity and had many fond memories of his time with the organization during his university days. Known by many as Dick, he was a registered Boy Scout for 80 years, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and served many years as a scoutmaster or committee chair for Troop 198 in Perrysburg.

Continuing his passion for serving in leadership roles, Dick spent time as president of the residents’ council at Kingston Rehabilitation of Perrysburg where he lived for more than four years. His family wishes to express its appreciation to the dedicated staff at Kingston for their care and love for Richard over these past years. The family is also grateful for the additional support provided by Hospice of Northwest Ohio in the past couple months.

Richard is predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Irene. He is survived by children, Marie (Joseph) Havens of Pinckney, MI, Bruce (Eileen) Watkins of Wenham, MA, Heather (Roger) Burke of Waterville, OH, and Kathleen (Matthew) Hur of Scotts Valley, CA; eleven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service for Richard will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, (200 West Second St., Perrysburg, Ohio 43551). Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in the form of contributions to the First United Methodist Church of Perrysburg or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, (30000 East River Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551). Arrangements were made by Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home (419-874-3133).