Albert Watkins

Albert Cecil Watkins, 98, of Beaumont, was called home by his Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, May 12, 2019, at his residence in Beaumont, Texas. Albert was born on November 20, 1920 in Port Arthur, Texas, to Clara Pearl (Peeks) and Philip Watkins. He was the firstborn son in a family of three children, Wayne and Gloria (Blackwelder) both of whom are deceased.

Albert grew up in Port Arthur until the Great Depression caused their family to lose their employment and their house located at 2044 12th Street. Philip Watkins then took the 2nd installment of his World War I Bonus and bought a 40-acre farm in Warren, Texas. Albert graduated at 16 from Warren High School as Valedictorian, that same year his father Philip died from an accident as a Merchant Mariner.

Albert began studying engineering at Lamar College (now Lamar University) in the old South Park High School building. He also worked several jobs to support his mother and siblings. Shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Albert joined the United States Navy. Albert attended Navy flight school at the Naval Air Station (NAS) in Corpus Christi, Texas.

He served as a navigation instructor at Opa-Locka NAS in Florida. It was there that Albert met the love of his life in Miss Vaye Jean Meade. They were both standing in the Winner’s line at the Hialeah Horse Racing Track. Vaye Jean was there to watch her jockey brother, Don Meade, race. Since decorum did not allow Albert to speak with his future wife without being properly introduced, Miss Vaye Jean broke the ice by asking him “if he had won too?” The two remained in contact by writing letters despite Albert having volunteered for combat duty in the Pacific. Albert and Vaye Jean were married on December 10th, 1944 at Crow’s Landing near Patterson, California.

After World War II ended, they settled in Thousand Oaks, California until Albert taught himself powerhouse operations and was hired by Bechtel Engineering to help build the Trans-Arabian Pipeline (Tapline) from Qaisumah, Saudi Arabia to Sidon, Lebanon. Vaye Jean joined Albert several years later and moved herself and their three children to Sidon. The family then returned to Silbee, Texas and later Southern California where three more children were born. The family then moved to Kailua Kona Hawaii where Albert and Vaye Jean remained for over 30 years.

Albert was an active member, serving as a Deacon and Treasurer, at Moku’aikaua Church in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Finally, he moved back to Beaumont, Texas, where he attended Westgate Memorial Baptist Church.

Albert was a joyful Christian husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He loved the Lord Jesus with all of his heart and strived to love his neighbor as himself. He was a blessing and an example to all who knew him and will be greatly missed.

Albert is survived by his daughters, Jane Vaye Watkins of Santa Monica, California; Lynn Marie Helvey, of Taos, New Mexico; Lisa Rene Mosley and her husband, David, of Beaumont; and son, John Albert Watkins of Santa Monica, California; sixteen grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vaye Jean (Meade) of nearly sixty-eight years and two of his sons, David Wayne Watkins and Paul Alan Watkins.

A memorial service for Mr. Watkins will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 27, 2019, at Westgate Memorial Baptist Church, 6220 Westgate Drive, Beaumont, under the direction of Pastor Raymond McHenry. He will be interred at the Moku’aikaua Church Cemetery in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, next to his wife, Vaye Jean and son, David Wayne Watkins.

His committal was held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Westgate Memorial Baptist Church – Missions, 6220 Westgate Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77706.