John M. Watkins

John Marshall Watkins was born in Union City, Tennessee to his teenage single Mom, Dorothy Mosley, on August 1, 1933. He was raised as an only child in a matriarchal family headed by his grandmother, Caldonia, and included his single aunt, Jodie, who all played a very integral role in his upbringing.

John graduated from Union City Miles High School in 1951 where he was very athletic, participating and lettering in major sports, including football, baseball, and basketball. After graduation he attended Marquette University in Milwaukee for two years and joined the Navy in 1953. His assignment to the Naval Medical department began his extensive training and career in healthcare. He later completed his degree in Allied Health at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.

Shortly after enlisting, John met the love of his life and married Pearline Merriweather in 1954 which resulted in a family of three sons – Terry Merriweather (stepson), Frederick Watkins, and Joey Watkins. Pearline preceded him in death in 2020 after a union of 65 years. He was known for his superior discipline, determination, assertiveness, loyalty, strict adherence to doing the right thing, love of traveling, fun-loving spirit and duty to serve others. These traits, along with his intelligence, allowed him to achieve at a level that was rare for others with his background and meager beginnings.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Service at 2:00 PM. Burial at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring Street, Union Grove, Wisconsin 53182, Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM.