Donald L. Watkins

After bravely facing his cancer diagnosis during the last 8 months with his unshakable, optimistic spirit, we are so sad to share that Donald Lee Watkins, of Farmington Hills MI, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at the age of 79. His loving wife, Nancy, was at his side.

Born in Detroit, MI, Don spent his early years in Flint, but Allen Park was where he really grew up, and he held a special fondness for Allen Park all his life. So many stories from back in the day! He still enjoyed taking rides through the old neighborhood, usually including lunches at Moro’s (and, of course, we loved the carry-outs he brought home) or Agemy’s Market pepperoni rolls. Don very much enjoyed keeping up connections with his former classmates, and loved organizing get togethers for the Class of 64.

Raised in a family of artists and musicians, who embraced both creative and technical disciplines, Don inherited an engineering mind from his Dad and had a voracious appetite for reading and knowledge. His knowledge of trivia, movies, and music was unmatched; he loved puzzles and games of all sorts.

As a young man, he honorably served his country as a combat soldier, earning the rank of Sergeant (SP5), in the US Army. Don would want us to acknowledge all veterans for their too often unappreciated service and the personal sacrifices that service requires.

The first in his family to attend college, Don also had an entrepreneurial spirit, founding the Optique Boutique in 1975, which he operated for many years, along with Classic Eyewear. His experience as an optician eventually led him to his career as a practice administrator for ophthalmology and surgical ophthalmic practices, where his organizational, managerial and people skills could shine.

During his retirement, Don loved spending time with his grandchildren, spoiling Lola the "grand-puppy,” exploring music, gardening and he always enjoyed a good card game with the guys. A lifelong sports fan, Don especially enjoyed watching Tigers baseball and Lions football, particularly in recent years.

Throughout his life, Don loved being around people and was always happy to make a new acquaintance and share a story. Of course, his acquaintances would inevitably become friends before long. He loved sharing wisdom, stories, guidance…any opportunity to pass along something he’d learned and bring a smile.

Most importantly of all, Don greatly loved his family. He is survived by, and his memory will live on, in his beloved wife of 56 years – his “Honey” – Nancy, his son Christopher (Kathleen) and grandchildren Zachary and Caitlin. Don is also survived by his younger brother, Conrad, his nephews and nieces, as well as countless friends. He was predeceased by his parents Donald Dewitt and Delta Mae Watkins, his sister Sandra Brown, brother Ronald “Pete” Watkins, and nephew Jeffrey.

A memorial gathering will be held at The Allen Park Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes on Thursday, August 21, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. A memorial service will begin at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project or an organization that holds special meaning to your family. Don would definitely smile if he knew you spent an evening at home with your loved ones, enjoying a movie night with a big bowl of popcorn, in his memory. He’d probably also be able to name every actor in that movie, all the other films they were in – and tell you which ones were worth watching!

Nancy, Chris and their family would like to thank all of our extended family, friends, the doctors and staff at Henry Ford Hospital, the staff and caregivers at Avalon Senior Living and Premier at Home Hospice for their compassionate care, kindness and support during Don’s journey.

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