Lester Watkins Jr.

Lester Dewey Watkins Jr. (aka Papa) passed away peacefully in his home on June 2nd, 2024. A celebration of life/ potluck (bring a favorite side dish) will be held on June 22nd, 2024~1 p.m. at 46064 Schoolhouse Rd, in Haines, OR. 

 Lester was born December 26th, 1960 in Eugene, Oregon to his parents, Lester and Leann Watkins. He was raised in Pleasant Hill, Oregon where he attended grade school and graduated high school in 1979. Lester was always proud of his athletic accomplishments and always had a good story to tell about his time in football, basketball, and track.

Right out of high school, Lester started working for Grossen Hansen Mobile Rock Crusher. Working with Grossen Hansen took Lester to a job site in Burns, Oregon where he met the love of his life Karen at a local tavern. After meeting Karen and realizing that forever would still never be enough time with her, he decided to settle in Burns and started working for Harney Rock and Paving. Shortly after finding his new career he married Karen in 1983, together they raised three beautiful children. In 1991 the family planted their roots in Baker City, Oregon. Lester advanced his career with Harney Rock over the years and at the time of his retirement he held the role of superintendent of the North Powder rock quarry. 

Lester was a huge Oregon Ducks and L.A. Rams fan.  He loved nothing more than making a big dinner and watching the game with his whole family. Though he would never admit it out loud Lester was a bit of a softy. He loved watching movies like “The Notebook”, “Dirty Dancing”, “A Walk To Remember”, and “Days Of Thunder”, and he usually shed a few tears every time he watched them. If you happened to stroll into his home around 11am you could usually find Lester enjoying one of his favorite daytime soap operas. Lester also enjoyed things like camping, riding in his side by side or 4-wheelers, buying his grandchildren snacks from the Haines store, and honestly anything that brought his family together.

Lester had 9 grandchildren that he lived and breathed for, and seeing the smiles on their faces was the best part of his day. As much as Lester loved and enjoyed his family he also loved sharing a Keystone Light and a good life story with his friends or even a perfect stranger. 

Lester's philosophy on life was, “live life for today, and always plan your dinner first thing in the morning.” Lester will always be remembered by his love and willingness to do anything for his family and friends. 

Lester is survived by his wife of 41 years Karen Watkins; son Michael and wife Sarah, son Richard and wife Monica; daughter Amber and husband Jeris; brother Michael and sister Michelle; his parents Lester and Leann; 9 grandchildren Michaela, Ayden, Sylus, Cason, Henley, Naomi, Dansby, Carson, and Logan, as well as his nieces and nephews who will always remember and love their “Uncle Punk”. 

Lester was preceded in death by his grandparents Mary and Curtis Plunkett; grandparents Dewey and Pearl Watkins; aunt Kay and uncle Dick Newlove.

Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com