THOMAS H. JR. Age 50, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2012, with his family by his side. Mr. Watkins was born July 23, 1961 to Thomas H. and Madeline (Reckker) Watkins, Sr. of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the US Army. During his military career he proudly served in the Persian Gulf War and earned the Army Service Ribbon, was an M16-Sharpshooter, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Reserve Component Medal with one Oak Leave Clover, the Overseas Training Ribbon, National Defense Ribbon, the Achievement and Commendation Medals, and the Southwest Asia Medal with two Bronze Stars. He proudly served in the Active Duty for two years and the Reserve for 12 years with the 156th Support Group. He was a member of the American Legion, Albuquerque Amputee Support Group, Amputee Empowerment Partners and was a certified Peer Visitor. Before his illness, he was employed by B.F. Goodrich Aerospace. Mr. Watkins was a recipient of the most generous gift of a heart transplant. The Watkins' family, who never met the Albuquerque heart donor's family, will forever remain grateful for their gift. May God bless you! Mr. Watkins was preceded in death by his father, Thomas H. Watkins, Sr. He is survived by his loving and devoted mother, Madeline Watkins, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; loving sister, Barbara Wise and her husband, John, of Schoolcraft, Michigan; loving brother, David Watkins, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and adored nephews, Christopher and Michael Wise, of Schoolcraft, Michigan. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2012 at Daniels Family Funeral Services, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho. Inurnment with Full Military Honors will follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park, Rio Rancho, New Mexico. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit: www.danielsfuneral.com Mr. Watkins' care entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Rd. Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 87124 505-892-9920
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