Conesus: September 24, 2013 at home at age 81 years. Survived by his wife Maureen Murphy Watkins of Conesus, children; Jeanne (Michael) Gridley of Sparta, Mark Watkins of Atlanta, GA, and Jerry (Desiree) Watkins of Conesus. Grandchildren; Matthew & Douglas Gridley, Hannah, Adrielle, and Leah Watkins, nieces & nephews and many friends. Tom served his country in the US Navy during the Korean War.
A friend to all, both young and old.
Tom was born in 1932 and moved to Livonia in 1949. He graduated from Livonia Central School in June 1951 and the following week he was off to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. He served in Korea as a hospital corpsman in the US Navy attached to a Marine unit. Tom earned a Purple Heart for wounds received on 11/28/52 and another for more significant wounds received on 12/8/52 when he suffered shrapnel wounds throughout his upper body. Although Tom served in action just under 3 months before he was seriously wounded, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic actions. According to the citation by Major General Pollock, “Hospitalman Watkins displayed exceptional ability, initiative and professional skill in the performance of his duties. On numerous occasions he accompanied combat and ambush patrols while the company was on the line, and he repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire in order to administer aid to the wounded Marines. When a radio operator was seriously wounded, he immediately picked up the radio, established contact with the company and was the main source of control between the patrol leader and the company commander. Hospitalman Watkins’ heroic actions and determined efforts served to inspire his comrades and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
In 1955, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Maureen Murphy, and together they raised 3 children in the lovely rural setting of Conesus. Tom and his family were avid campers, travelling throughout the USA and Europe. The family made many close friends as members of a local chapter of the National Campers and Hikers Association. In the mid 1980’s Tom and Maureen travelled to Australia and New Zealand for 6 months, once again making many lifelong friends. He retired from driving school bus in 1994, allowing more time to travel, play cards, and enjoy the grandkids.
A dedicated family man who was also well-known for his sense of humor and the jokes that he loved to tell, Tom was a special guy who made everyone feel comfortable and at ease.
Funeral services will be held privately. Family & friends are invited for a Celebration of Remembrance at the St. Matthew Church Community Room, 6591 Richmond Mills Road (Rte 20A,) Livonia, from 1-3pm on Saturday October 5, 2013. Friends are invited to bring a written memory or photo of Tom with them. Burial will be held on Monday October 7, 2013 at 2pm at Bath National Cemetery with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to the Livingston County Hospice, 2 County Campus, Mt. Morris, NY 14510 or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. To send a condolence and for further information please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
We are very sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. He was a great guy and will be missed! Our thoughts are with your family.
Tom was of the old guard, to be sure. Regardless of what I wanted to bitch about, whenever I saw Tom, he’d have a story and a joke. Always encouraging, always supportive; always something better to think about than what was current. Thinking back to my days at Livonia, Tom’s one of the first I think of. A gentleman, a friend and a respected member of our times. Maureen and Jeanne, I can’t possibly express my sadness at your loss. I feel for you deeply for the hollow left by the man who made us all feel whole. May God bless you and keep you and know Tom’s in His good graces now. What a fine fellow he was.
I was very sad to hear of Tom’s passing. Tom was a very funny guy, as a fellow bus driver I went on many field trips with him. He always had a joke to tell, kept us all in stitches.
my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Godspeed Tom, and God Bless your family. Memories are plenty including your respect, understanding, whit, and friendship, to begin with.
God bless,
Greg Hetzler
I am sorry for your loss. As a Patriot Guard Rider we thank him for his service and support. My sympahties go to the family and friends
Tom was a special guy and a good friend. I will miss our visits whenever I was in town.
I recall a serious talk Tom and I had when I received my one and only red card in a soccer game.
I was sent to the bus and Tom was waiting. Thank God for good friends.
God Bless. Scott
So sorry for your loss, my sympathies to your family. May God’s love surround you at this time of sorrow.
We are very sad to learn of Tom’s passing. Maureen, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We have many happy memories of Tom “Terrific” and please know that we will continue to pray for you and your family at this most difficult time. May God hold you all in His hands and confort you.
tom was my bus driver he was a good bus driver and i all so worked with him when i worked at livonia he allways had a smile.our throughts and prays goes out to the family diedre embling (proctor) williams
My prayers are with your family. May you find joy in all the memories of your time together. God Bless.
Dear Watkins family,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you God’s peace and comfort during this difficult time.
So sad for the loss of a good man. Sympathy to the Watkins family from the other Watkins family.