Aaron,  thinking about you this time of year. Missing you my friend. I still remember you covering for me when I ditched school and you walking me home "from school". Ha! My mom was not fooled, but thank you for doing me that favor. You were the one that always stood up for me. You were my hero. We used to talk for hours in my driveway at my house in Northeast. I will never forget you my friend. You were like a brother to me.

One story or moment couldn’t encapsulate Aaron for me; his passions ranged from the corniest John Wayne movie to the most sublime paintings at the Nelson. He was deeply happy pouring through dusty genealogy archives or shivering in a jeep at 4 am, listening to prairie chickens boom. Of course, he did have one true, enduring love: his family.

I met Aaron when I came to teach Band in Olathe 36 years ago.  He included me as a young teacher, and on one of those "God smiles at you" days, he showed me a house across from his that was going up for sale in about a year.  Melinda and I ended up buying that house and we were fortunate enough to be neighbors all these years.  We raised our kids together and worked on endless projects together.   He was always willing to drop whatever he was doing to lend a hand or to loan me the just right tool!  I'll never forget the look on his face as Melinda and I shot water balloons at trees above him as he mowed his front lawn on a clear day... he could not figure out where the rain was coming from- we had a lot of good laughs!  Aaron was always an avid reader and a thinker, and we had some great discussions.  I miss him greatly now, but I know that we will meet up again in heaven.  

Dear Kathy,

I have many fond memories of working with Aaron as  assistant band directors at Olathe South High School. I think that we learned how to be band directors in those first couple of years experiencing  BOA summer camps, early morning marching band practices, and going to numerous elementary schools starting beginners. I am saddened today to have learned about his passing, but I am comforted that he is in heaven and at peace. When I learned from John Kieffer that Aaron had passed, I remembered sitting next to Aaron in the OSHS auditorium at the school district welcome back teacher event, and the song, Wind Beneath My Wings was playing. My mom had passed just a couple of weeks earlier, and tears were running down my face. My friend, Aaron reached over and took my hand as I cried all through that song. I wish that I could sit next to you and hold your hand today as you grieve your wonderful husband. May God comfort you and your family. You are in my prayers. Love, Lorrie Brown (Holt) Crochet

Aaron will forever remain in my heart as one of my first and fiercest friends from day 1 at Northeast Junior High. While time and distance separated us physically we never lost contact and we always remained just as close. Aaron was a gentle giant, and a cuddly gumby and he will be forever missed. But as with all legends, he has left an indelible mark in  this life. I am blessed to have had him as a friend. My heart breaks for Kathy, Kati, and Kali. May his wonderful memories comfort you in this difficult time. 

The moment I met Aaron as a young girl, I knew I had a friend for life. We went all through school together as close friends. He would always watch out for me. We were in all the band classes together and lived close. He even covered for me one day when I ditched school, which of course didn't work out of for me, but Aaron was always there. Later, he would come by, and we would hang out in my driveway and just talk. We remained friends, and he would be so concerned about me until the day he passed. I loved him. The world won't be the same without him.

Aaron is one of those rare souls that made life better by knowing him if only by the knowledge that he was out there in the world, being him and enriching life for the good people that he surrounded himself with. The silence is deafening. May he rest in peace at the front pew of heaven. 

Love the photos.  What a beautiful family.  Aaron was an amazing and awesome person.

Such good memories of Mr. Watkins leading the Olathe school children in their music awareness and development. 
God’s Great Care to his family at this time.

Have so many great memories from choir and bell choir and just from many conversations. I still hear his wonderful laugh!!! Truly a joy to be around. Heaven is getting the best end of this deal. Many hugs and much love to Kathy, Katy, Kali and rest of family!! 🥰🤗
Diane Elder

Patient and Kind describe Aaron as he taught students at Havencroft Elementary.   Beginning band students require a lot of that, especially from someone with a trained ear for music like Aaron.  But, because of that, many students felt encouraged, staying with music and developing a lifetime joy.   We were blessed to have a man like Aaron on our staff. 
Praying for all of you in your loss.  May our Lord will walk closely with you now.

Cathy and family, 
We remember Aaron as an understanding and sincere individual to do business with,  a good steward of the soil. Yet, we also treasure the time we got to share discussing the  Carroll-Barr ancestry.
In fact got the history book out to refresh our memory.

Our sympathy love and blessings, Ivan and DeEtte Carroll and family



Fond memories of meeting Aaron for the first time during the spring of 1985, as I was interviewing candidates for Asst. Band Director at Olathe South. I was immediately impressed by Aaron's positive attitude & pleasant sense of humor. Confident that he would positively impact students, I wasn't the slightest bit hesitant to advocate on his behalf. Both Aaron & his wife Kathy became cherished friends, and our daughter, Laurissa, fondly remembers babysitting their children. His students loved him & he positively impact countless lives! Aaron and I shared SO many laughs together during our 17 yrs. as colleagues, and it was truly my honor to know him as a trusted friend! My thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and her family as they celebrate the life of this VERY SPECIAL man!

Aaron and I used to joke around about switching houses/families for a weekend. Since he had girls and I had boys, we thought it would be a nice change! I so enjoyed chatting with him whenever he was at Havencroft. Praying for all of you during this very difficult change in your lives. 

I remember Aaron fondly.  He was always upbeat and had a great smile.

Aaron was a wonderful teacher and friend. He taught my husband and I for many years in Jazz and Marching Band before moving to Olathe East. We were so happy for him and thought about following him over there.
My husband remembers a time when we were at a Jazz Band Concert at a Middle School. "Mr. Watkins" told us to be silly and have fun. So Michael squared being trumpet players decided to turn around and play under their legs. Only trumpet players!
I recall my friends and I wasting many many rolls of toilet paper on the trees in the front yard. I am very sorry for that.
"Mr Watkins was a great man and we were very blessed to have known. Condolences to the family I can only imagine your pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Michael and Tara  Crotchett ( Class of '94)

Aaron was the nicest guy. I worked in same building as he taught many students the joy of music. Celebrated as your children were born and he always shared bits about the family. So sorry for your loss.
Kathy Meyer 

All our love to you Kathy/family    We look back fondly of our time with you, Aaron and the girls💜 We love you so much.  

OBITUARY

Aaron Robert Watkins

28 November, 1957 – 23 September, 2022

McGilley & Frye Funeral Home & Cremation Service

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