Donald Ray Watkins

Donald Ray Watkins, 61, of Pembroke, NH, passed away at Tufts Medical Center in Boston on November 16, 2022. He was born in Gastonia, NC on July 30, 1961 and was raised by his parents, Allen and Jean (Rhom) Starrett. He shared 37 years of marriage with his wife, Donna (Villiard) Watkins.

Donald was raised in Lowell, NC. He was a graduate of Ashbrook High School where he was on the football and wrestling teams. Upon graduation, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 7 years, stationed in Kaneohe Bay, HI and Quantico, VA. Upon return to civilian life he worked at various jobs in local towns, and was a volunteer at the Manchester VA Medical Center. He was a member of Disabled American Veterans, the VFW, and American Legion. Donald found great comfort in his faith. Above all else, he loved spending time with his family and friends and cherished camping trips and enjoying life with his loved ones.

Donald is survived by his wife, Donna Watkins; his son, Tyler Watkins and his wife Brandi; his daughter, Jessica Hellen and her fiancé Chris Lovell; his mother, Jean Starrett; his siblings, Vicki Jenkins, Beverley Gilbert, and Ron Watkins and his wife Kathy; his brother-in-law, Roger Villiard and his wife Rochelle; his sister-in-law, Joanne Alarie and her husband Thomas; his grandchildren, Hunter, Kodee, Carter, Madelyn, and Brooke-Lynn; as well as many extended family members and friends. Donald was predeceased by his father, Allen Starrett; his brother, David Watkins; and his brother-in-laws, Ritchie Jenkins, Luther Gilbert, and Gary Campbell.

Services will be held on Tuesday, November 22 at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH with visitation from 10AM-12PM and a funeral service at 12PM. Burial to follow at 2PM at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH. Family and friends are invited to attend.

For those who cannot attend in person, the 12PM funeral service will be livestreamed at https://phaneuf.net/streaming

If you wish to view the livestream, please visit the website ahead of time to register.