He was born to Hyrum Lawrence Watkins Jr. and Margaret Viola Green Watkins on April 3, 1942 in Ogden, Utah. He was raised on the family farm where the Kanesville Elementary School now stands.

Richard married his sweetheart, Edith Kent Watkins, in the Logan, Utah LDS temple on April 23, 1965. They recently celebrated 61 years together. They have five children; Blake (Lori) Watkins, Bountiful; Wade (Dorothy) Watkins, Kaysville; Lance (Tricia) Watkins, West Haven; Melissa (Jason) Olsen, Missoula, MT; Ryan (Melissa) Watkins, West Haven.

He graduated from Weber High School in 1960. He served an LDS mission in Paris, France from 1961-1963. Richard then attended Weber State College, graduating in 1967. He spent his career as a regional distribution and logistics manager, starting with National Distribution Systems in 1966. The company changed hands several times but stayed in the same location. After retirement he and Edith served an LDS mission to Yerevan, Armenia.

Richard was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many church callings over the years, including Bishop of the Kanesville 2nd Ward and a counselor in the Kanesville Utah Stake Presidency. His most meaningful service was ministering to and loving those around him, no matter their religious affiliation.

His family was his greatest joy and priority. He especially loved supporting his children and grandchildren in all their activities. He made it a priority to attend their sporting events, music concerts, dance recitals and celebrations. Richard did not want to miss out on anything.

He was a great example of kindness, generosity, and unconditional love. Richard was truly remarkable in how he cared about others and made people feel important. He loved his community and in turn they loved him. He leaves behind countless friends, neighbors, and extended family that he cherished.

Richard was an enthusiastic sports fan and loyal member of the Weber State Wildcat Club. As an avid golfer he judged a good day on if he was able to golf or not. In his youth he played baseball and basketball. For many years he enjoyed his recreational softball teams. He coached youth soccer and basketball. Richard also enjoyed the performing arts and had opportunities to be in musicals and a capella groups.

Richard is survived by Edith, their children and spouses, 19 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren with another arriving in September; 10 brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, and many others who called him Grandpa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters and their spouses: Fay (Roy) Van Drimmelen; Elaine (Gage) Lehman and Beth Arnold; in-laws Smith and Thelma Kent; as well as nieces Becky and Kathy.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 17th at the West Haven Stake Center, 3300 S 4700 W West Haven, Utah. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, August 16th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Myers Roy Mortuary, and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the church.