Coach Dean Watkins Passes Away; Memorial Service Saturday

By Mike Morgan

DEC. 14. WE are deeply saddened to communicate that Dean Watkins, sprint coach at Virginia for approximately 15 years, has passed away. He was diagnosed with adenoid carcinoma in late July and he passed away on Saturday, December 9.

There will be a memorial service this Saturday, Dec. 16, at First United Methodist Church in Towanda, PA. This is near Williamsport, PA, and near Monroeton,
PA, where Dean and his wife, Jane, lived since moving there from Bedford, VA. The memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. and will be followed by refreshments.

The location is estimated to be: one hour from Scranton Wilkes-Barre, three-four hours from
Philadelphia, 5-6 hours from Northern Virginia, and 7-8 hours from Charlottesville. From Scranton Wilkes-Barre, take Rte 6 West approximately 60 miles into Towanda, cross the Susquehanna Bridge, take a right into downtown Towanda, and go across town to 105 Main Street.

Personal schedules and winter weather will understandably interfere with attendance at this memorial service. There will also be a memorial service in February (date TBD) at the Methodist Church in Bedford, VA (near Lynchburg) for teachers, coaches, swimmers, & divers – all friends and family. Information will be provided as it becomes available.

In lieu of flowers, the family is starting an educational memorial scholarship fund in the name of Dean Watkins. This scholarship will be based on need rather than academics or athletics. The family targets a June 2001 presentation of college scholarship funds to a student from Dean's home town.

Jane Watkins will be at the address, telephone number and e-mail address below until December 19, then back on January 7 if anyone wants to write, call, or e-mail. She will not be in communication while visiting their two sons and other family and friends during the holidays. Please do not hesitate to call Jane. We
had a difficult, but beautiful conversation about Dean. He has touched so many of our lives over the years – as a husband, father, teacher, swim coach, football coach, friend, and more. Jane and the family would love to hear from any and all of us.

Jane Watkins
RR 2 Box 601
Monroeton, PA 18832

tel:(570) 268-8903
e-mail: hwatkins@epix.com

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