Earl G. Watkins

Earl was born in Dallas, Texas on May 21, 1929, where he was raised by his parents Lillie Belle (Culpepper) and Jake Irwin Watkins, and was also quite fond of his Aunt May. He was the second of three children. Earl graduated from Classen High School, earning the title as the Mini Comet. The high school track letterman set state records with his relay team and quarter mile sprint. Earl and his two best friends decided on Oklahoma University as their next step in life, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering. His love of learning led him to pursue his Masters Degree in Petroleum Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. After his studies, he joined the Army where he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Then, a job with Standard Oil Company (later known as Exxon Corp) took Earl back to Oklahoma and then on to Talara, Peru where he met his wife, Maria. Unrest in Peru led them back to the United States, but not for long. Earl had an interview for a job that would take them to Indonesia but by fate, he walked into another room where he interviewed and accepted a position in Saudi Arabia. Earl and Maria set off on their next adventure with a six-month-old baby, two suitcases, a new job and an encyclopedia’s definition of Saudi Arabia – a country with oil production, camels and dates. What they found was a wonderful country and international community awaited them. Earl retired from Saudi Aramco in 1991 with 22 years of endless adventures, experiences, and lifelong friendships. Earl and Maria retired to Kingwood, Texas with extraordinary experiences in hand where they enjoyed their remaining years together. There they enjoyed being close to their two children and five grandchildren, created more lifelong friendships, were active in the community, continued their love for travel and adventure and shared their hobby of playing bridge. Earl will be remembered by those who love him as a kind and honest man, slow to judge, and with a quiet sense of humor.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 58 years, Maria, his children:Jay (Gretchen), and Lillian (Christian Ahrens). Earl leaves five grandchildren; Josephine, Margaret, James, Annemarie and Camilla. He outlived his siblings, his sister Doris Jean Ash and his brother James Watkins. He also leaves behind his nieces Karen Caldwell, Mary Kelly and Nancy Watkins and his nephew Tom Ash.

Rest in peace our beloved Earl, father, grandfather and friend. You remain in our hearts forever.

“Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4