Gordon Glen Watkins, 73, passed away Sunday evening, September 3, at his home in Salt Lake City, surrounded by family members. Lung cancer was the cause of death. “Gordy” was born May 14th, 1950, in Great Falls, Montana, the first child of Charles and Betty Jane Watkins.

He is survived by his loving wife, Clarinda Sue Watkins; seven children Michael (wife Gabrielle), Josephine, David, Jacob and Leigha Bluemel, and Hanna and Gabreal Watkins; and two grandchildren, Luca Slovernick and Freya Johnson.

He is survived also by his mother, and by siblings MaryJane Watkins Rowe (husband Ken) and Joseph (wife Susan), Mark and Amy Watkins.

Gordy pursued a variety of professions and vocations. After earning a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Wyoming, he discovered nothing suited him better than driving tractor/trailer trucks. He loved passing the miles alone with his thoughts, taking in the scenery and delivering the goods. Off the road, he enjoyed golfing, puttering around the house and building stuff, watching films, and reading, reading, reading. The last book Gordy finished is Saints: Boldly, Nobly, and Independent. He was ploughing through Arthur Conan Doyle, The Complete Sherlock Holmes when he ran out of time.

Memorial Service for Gordy will be Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 9:00 AM, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1250 W 1400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84104. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

Services

Memorial Service

Saturday, Sep. 23, 2023 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1250 W 1400 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Family

  • Survived By
  • Clarinda Sue Watkins, Spouse
  • Michael Bluemel, Step-Son
  • Josephine Bluemel, Step-Daughter
  • David Bluemel, Step-Son
  • Jacob Bluemel, Step-Son
  • Leigha Bluemel, Step-Daughter
  • Hanna Watkins, Daughter
  • Gabreal Watkins, Son
  • Luca Slovernick, Grandson
  • Freya Johnson, Granddaughter
  • Betty Jane Watkins, Mother
  • MaryJane Watkins Rowe, Sister
  • Joseph Watkins, Brother
  • Mark Watkins, Brother
  • Amy Watkins, Sister
  • Ken Rowe, Brother-in-Law
  • Susan Watkins, Sister-in-Law
  • Gabrielle Ernest, Daughter-in-Law
  • Preceded in Death By
  • Charles Watkins, Father

Life Story Info

Post Date

Sep 17, 2023

Personal Info

Born

Great Falls, Montana

Died

Salt Lake City, Utah

Cause of Death

Cancer

Age

73

Gender

Male

Religion and Beliefs

Latter-day Saint

Occupation

Trucking

Education

  • Master's
    University Of Wyoming
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Guestbook

We were very saddened to hear of Brother Watkins passing, he was always very nice and made people feel at ease. May you find counsel in the Lord and the knowledge that we have that our families will be together forever.

Sharon & Jose Sanchez Sep 23, 2023

We were very saddened to hear of Brother Watkins passing, he was always very nice and made people feel at ease. May you find counsel in the Lord and the knowledge that we have that our families will be together forever.

Sharon & Jose Sanchez Sep 23, 2023

Gordy had a huge life-force - I wish I had known him as an adult. As a kid, he burst into a room like a whirlwind and demanded attention. I was three years younger so I looked up to him. Our last interaction - he borrowed Canned Heat's second album from me - and Judy Collins' In My Life. I never saw those records again! God bless Gordy's family and loved ones; I look forward to a reunion in heaven with this brother!

Brent G. Wilson , Louisville, CO, US Sep 19, 2023

Our wishes for Gordon's entire family and for their well-being. The loss of a loved one is never easy and without the comfort and solace of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we are left to wonder about what the future holds in store. May God watch over and bless you. May his Spirit guide you. Peace and blessings to you!

Steve & Kristin

Steve and Kristin Strickland , Clover, SC, US Sep 19, 2023

Our wishes for Gordon's entire family and for their well-being. The loss of a loved one is never easy and without the comfort and solace of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we are left to wonder about what the future holds in store. May God watch over and bless you. May his Spirit guide you. Peace and blessings to you!

Steve & Kristin

Steve and Kristin Strickland , Clover, SC, US Sep 19, 2023

So sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. My condolences to the whole family. The family was so kind to me, when I was with Gary at Fairfield, when he got hurt.

Prayers to all!🙏

Sandra Robèrt Hanson Sep 17, 2023

So sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. My condolences to the whole family. The family was so kind to me, when I was with Gary at Fairfield, when he got hurt.

Prayers to all!🙏

Sandra Robèrt Hanson Sep 17, 2023

And tons of nieces and nephews all over the U.S. rest in peace Uncle Gordy and give Papa a hug for me. Sending so much love to Sue and the kids 💜

Sally Griffieth Sep 17, 2023

And tons of nieces and nephews all over the U.S. rest in peace Uncle Gordy and give Papa a hug for me. Sending so much love to Sue and the kids 💜

Sally Griffieth Sep 17, 2023

We always looked forward to having the Watkins clan come to visit us in Dunseith. Lots of good memories. Gordy will be missed. Hugs and prayers to all the family.

Susan Martin Sep 17, 2023

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