Donald L. Watkins, 68, of Manteca, passed on March 11, 2011 at Dameron Hospital Stockton. Don was born on November 3, 1942 in San Francisco. Don created a happy life raising his family in Livermore and retiring to Sonora, with one final happy move to the Woodbridge community in Manteca in 2007.

He was in the United States Army from 1960 to 1963 were he started his love of dogs in the infantry. He then danced his way into the heart of his loving wife of 44 years, Claudia Watkins. They shared their love of music, dance, food, cooking, travel and raising their children. Don could be summed up as a people person and loved to make everyone smile. Don was also a loyal member of the Sonora Moose Lodge.

Don is survived by his loving wife Claudia Watkins and his sister Ina Cline of Duncan, BC. He will be missed by his children, Greg Watkins of Lathrop; Christi Sanchez of Livermore, and three grandchildren, Kassi, Kylii, and TJ. He is also survived by his devoted dog Shadow.

Don will be remembered on March 27 at noon at the Woodbridge community center Manteca. The family is requesting in place of flowers, donations be made in his name to the American Heart Association or the Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute on behalf of his granddaughter Kassi.