12/11/37 – 1/1/2024
Merle James Watkins Sr.
Merle James Watkins Sr, surrounded by family, went home to our Heavenly Father on January 1, 2024, he was 86 years old. Papa was born at home in Tukwila, Washington to Melvin and Margaret Watkins on December 11, 1937.
He was preceded in death by his parents Melvin and Margaret Watkins; his wife, ; his Sister, Mavis Roseth (Ray); brothers, Marvin Watkins, Mert Watkins (Carol); son-in-law, James Morrison, Sr; brother-in-law, Glenn Woessner; sister-in-law, Sharon Prince; nephew, Hans Bernhardt; and granddaughter, Michelle Johnny.
Merle is survived by his daughters, Theresa (Robert) Anderson of Buckley, WA, Virginia Morrison of Seattle, WA, Melody (Johnny) Mitchell of Seattle, WA, and Son, Merle Watkins Jr of Ellensburg, WA; his grandsons, Chad (Kirsten) Anderson, Wesley Mitchell Sr., and James “Mac ” Morrison Jr, and granddaughters Sasha and Shannon; along with several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; his brother Mervin (Barb) Watkins of Lynnwood, WA; his sister-in-law Betty Watkins of Olympia, WA; brother-in-law Harry Bernhardt, sister-in-law Ruth Bernhardt of Cle Elum, WA, sister-in-law Mary Woessner of Seattle, WA, brother-in-law Ernie Woessner, and sister-in-law Patsy Woessner of Virginia.
Merle James Watkins
Merle attended Foster high school. He married the love of his life, Charlotte, on August 9, 1957. They lived in Seattle and Renton before moving into their home in south Seattle, WA in 1964 raising their family.
Dad’s mechanical prowess started at an early age. His love for scooters, motorcycles, cars, and trucks started at his parent’s home inTukwila. He was removed from a class in high school by the administration to fix the school truck that broke down while out picking up Christmas trees. His ability to repair and problem solve carried into his true hobby of restoring and driving cars. He had a 1925 Model T, 1937 Ford, and his pride and joy the 1930 Model A Woody. Dad and Mom belonged to multiple different car clubs and would tour around the Pacific Northwest and beyond with their cars.
Merle worked at American Can Company as a journeyman mechanic until the early 1970s. He worked at Automotive Steam Cleaners and then owned his own bicycle shop, HI-line Cycle in Burien, WA where he had a motocross bicycle team which he loved helping the kids with their bikes. In the early 1980s Dad went to work for NW Enviro in Seattle where he solved problems through his inventions and genius mindset. At the time of his retirement, he was the purchasing agent.
Dad displayed his varied skill set in his neighborhood homes and other homes in the community. He was the first call and the only call most often. He would fix or troubleshoot most neighbors’ (plumbing, electrical, or you name it) problems within an hour or less. The smile on his face while helping others was infectious.
Through the years Dad and Mom took us on annual camping trips around Washington, Oregon, and California. Sometimes we did not know who was having more fun, Dad, or us kids.
Dad coached Merle’s soccer and baseball teams, his players had so much fun.
Dad and Mom were youth group leaders at our church in the 1970s, it was the biggest youth group I remember seeing. They would pick kids up, take them home and always made sure every kid was able to go on trips/outings and would make sure they all got home.
Our Father, Merle Watkins Sr., loved and lived the truths of Jesus Christ.
The services for Merle and Charlotte Watkins will be held on April 6th at 1:00 pm at St Matthews Lutheran Church, 1700 Edmonds Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056.
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