Obituary for Donald Jay Watkins Donald Jay Watkins, 91, of Clearville, passed away at home on Monday, November 12th, 2018. He was born Saturday, August 13th, 1927 in Akron, Ohio, a son of the late Charles Jay Watkins and Audrey (Grief) Watkins. On January 2nd, 1954 in Monroe, Michigan, he married Wanda R. (Kofchur) Watkins who survives along with their son, Jay Watkins of Clearville, three grandchildren Amber, Jayde, and Gabrielle, and a brother Richard Miller-Watkins of Baden.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in passing away by a brother Ray Watkins. A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Don was a career military officer for over 30 years, first serving in the United States Coast Guard – Merchant Marines during World War II and then in the United States Navy as a during World War II as a Fire Controlman, Third Class, aboard the U.S.S. Piedmont and the U.S.S. Goodrich. In November of 1949, he transferred to the United States Army, serving during the Korean War as a Sergeant First Class with the 5103 Support Unit in South Bend, Indiana, receiving the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Star, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and two Good Conduct Medals.
Don then served for another 16 years with the US Army, first as a Sergeant First Class, Regular Army, then as a Chief Warrant Officer –4 during the Vietnam War with HHC US Army Engineer Field Command DNA, until retiring in 1972, receiving the World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal Japan and Germany, Asia-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the China Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal with Clasp, the National Defense Service Medal, the Oak Leak Cluster to National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Marksman Badge with Pisto Bar, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal ribbon. A member of the Everett American Legion Post #8 and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, Don also served as a Scout Master from 1979 to 1983 for the Everett Troop #77 and enjoyed hunting and working around his home and property repairing just about anything. He will be remembered for his dedication to our country, community and his steadfast ways.
Private services will be held by his family and memories may be shared online at www. dallavalle-everett.com. Arrangements by Dalla Valle Funeral Service, Main Street, Everett.
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