WATKINS THOMAS L

LTC Thomas "Tom" L. Watkins, LtC was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 09/27/2018 at the age of 81.4
Sedona, AZ
Flight Class 36-57
Date of Birth 04/21/1937
Served in the U.S. Marine Corps
Served in Vietnam with HML-367 in 70
Call sign in Vietnam SCARFACE
This information was provided by Sammie Williams - obit

More detail on this person: Lt. Col. Thomas L. Watkins, USMC Retired, passed away peacefully at home in Sedona, AZ on September 27, 2018 at the age of 81. Tom was born April 21, 1937 to Melvina Fogg Watkins and Vaughn W Watkins in Pearl River, LA. He graduated from Slidell High School in 1955 and joined the Marine Corps shortly after. In 1958 he married Patricia Dick and they went on to have three daughters. Tom spent 23 years in the military as an aviator, serving his country proudly, and spent two tours in Viet Nam. While in the military, he earned a degree in Aviation Management from Auburn University in 1974. Watkins reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring and moving back to St. Tammany Parish in 1978. Tom continued with his love of aviation by flying helicopters for Air Logistics and then as manager of the Slidell Municipal Airport. After the death of his 1st wife Patty, Tom married Barbara Evartt in 2000 and they moved to Sedona AZ in 2002. During his 16 years in Sedona, Tom was active in his church, the Marine Corps League and he enjoyed playing an occasional round of golf with friends. Tom enjoyed travelling around the country in his RV visiting family and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Patricia Watkins, both his parents, and also sisters Helen Watkins, Verna Shaw, and June Watkins. Tom is survived by his wife of 18 years, Barbara Watkins, his 3 daughters: Zoe Stigler (Rick), Donna Vallette (Steve), and Cristi Sims, and his 3 step children, Rona Morrison, Ron Evartt (Lori), and Susan Case (Frank). He is also survived by brother Wayne Watkins and sisters Betty Holden and Janice Cheatham. Tom also leaves behind 19 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. A Memorial Service will be held at Honaker Funeral Home at 1751 Gause Blvd W in Slidell on Saturday October 20, 2018 at 11:00am, visitation at 10:00am. There will be a private burial at a later date. In Lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network www.pancan.org

This information was last updated 10/21/2018

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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025