Dr. John P. Watkins

Dr. John P. Watkins, 90, passed away Thursday, Sep. 1, 2011. He was born Sep. 4, 1920 in Mt. Vernon, IL. John moved from San Pedro, CA to Las Vegas and was the first urologist in town. A long standing physician and surgeon, he was much loved and respected. In 1967, he became the Chief of Staff of Sunrise Hospital. He was married to Frances C. O’Rourke for 53 years and became a widower in 1998. John is survived by his sons, Brian V. Watkins and his wife, Marcela LaBounty, and John V. Watkins; his granddaughters, Sarah, Seana and Marisa; and nieces, Tanina and DeeDee, as well as extended family and numerous friends. A U.S. Navy officer and veteran of World War II, John graduated from UCLA, attended Johns Hopkins Medical School and trained in surgery at UCLA. He was a free spirit who loved the outdoors, adventures to Lake Mead and frequent trips to Mt. Charleston. He began snow skiing and water skiing at age 46 and became an expert at both sports. In the late 70’s, John started the Sunrise Doctors Mt. Charleston Climb. After approximately 35 trips to the top he decided to climb the highest mountain in all 50 states beginning at age 73. He made 44 peaks and at age 83 nearly made it to the summit of Mt. Rainier. Another great passion of Johns’ was playing the viola; he was always a member of a local symphony and was currently playing in the Henderson Symphony Orchestra. A Funeral Service will be held at Palm Mortuary – Downtown, 1325 N. Main St. on Friday, Sep. 9 at 5PM, with 2 hours of visitation prior. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lou Ruvo Keep the Memory Alive Center or to the Henderson Symphony Orchestra. Arrangements under the direction of Palm South Jones Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.