Robert L. Watkins

Robert Watkins, 90, Overland Park, KS, passed away in his home. He is survived by his wife, Marian (Sandy) of 69 years. They had four children, Susan (Tom Sandusky), Mark (deceased), Paul (Mary Thorpe Watkins) and David (Amy Viar Watkins). Bob is also survived by nine grandchildren: Scott and Eric, Justin and Ryan, Jennifer and Brian, Nick, Josh and Cate and seven great-grandchildren. He was the last survivor of four children, Ruth, Donald, and Betty, who also passed recently.

Bob graduated from Lillis High School and Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri. Bob and Marian met in high school and were married just a few years later. He was drafted and served in the army in post-war Europe. His daughter, Susie, was born while he was overseas and he did not go to see and hold her until she was 18 months old.

Bob worked for AT&T for more than 30 years. He started out as a linesman climbing poles and installing phone lines in homes. He went to night school to obtain his Business Administration degree and eventually retired as the District Marketing Manager. After retiring, Bob and two friends created a new business, The Condo Network. The company allowed people to book resort accommodations over the phone and through travel agents using the private airline reservation systems. The company employed 40 people at one point. They were in essence, VRBO without the availability to utilize the internet. He volunteered for the Optimist Club, selling Christmas trees for 20 years. Though he was successful throughout his career, there was never a doubt that his family came first.

Bob was a kid at heart. He played tennis until his knees gave out but continued to golf until just a few months ago. He also went on a fishing trip with friends to Arkansas just last November He coached baseball and basketball teams and rarely missed watching his kid’s and grandkid’s sporting events. He learned to ski while in the army and skied on family trips in Colorado through the age of 70. Bob enjoyed being around his grandchildren and would drive great distances to see his great-grandchildren. The youngest three great-grandchildren were born during Covid and Bob enjoyed receiving pictures and using FaceTime to watch them play.

Bob was a member of St. Agnes Parish for may years before moving to Overland Park and joining Cure’ of Ars Catholic Church. The funeral mass will be held at Cure’ of Ars Catholic Church on Friday, April 23rd at 11:00 a.m.

Donations can be made to The American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.