Andrew T. Watkins

Andrew T. Watkins, 71, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025, at his home in Topeka, surrounded by the family he held dear.

He was born November 4, 1953, in Wichita, Kansas the son of Lloyd Augustus and Elizabeth Alaine French Watkins. Andrew attended Valley High School in Gilcrest, Colorado, graduating with the Class of 1971.

Andrew joined the United States Army on January 14, 1972. Proudly serving until December 17, 1974, when he received his honorable discharge. Following his discharge, Andrew traveled with friends reacclimating to civilian life.

He partnered with one of his friends in a construction business for a time. He later worked in the oil fields throughout Oklahoma and later Kansas. While working in the patch, Andrew met the love of his life, Barbara Ireland while at church. They would be united in marriage on December 12, 1986, in Madison, Kansas.

After spending years working as a laborer at I.B.P. and Modine Manufacturing in Emporia, Andrew decided to attend college and pursue his education at Emporia State University. In 2001 he would graduate after earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems. Following his degree, he moved to Topeka and took a position with Payless Shoes at their corporate headquarters. Prior to Andrew's retirement, he spent 10 years as a programmer for the State of Kansas.

Andrew possessed a deep desire to nurture and teach others. This was made true by his mission work with men’s groups in Lithuania and Latvia where he interacted and played volleyball and soccer. Andrew and Barbara were members of Crisis Response International and responded to disasters near and far, including the Joplin Missouri tornado. They were active members of the Crosspoint Topeka Church.

Andrew will live on in the hearts and cherished memories of his wife and best friend, Barbara of their home; daughters, Melony Cooper of Topeka, Monica Smith (Corey) of Berryton, Ks. and Marcella Vasquez (Jenny) of Meriden, Ks.; a son, Aron Watkins (Kathy) of Allen, Ks.; brothers, Jay Watkins of Denver and Gilbert Watkins of Scotts Bluff, Neb.; grandchildren, Ethan Cooper (Skylor), Criquet Stout (Doug), Corbin Watkins (Candice), Wyatt Peters, Faith Smith, Isabelle Kokesh (Austin), Zane Smith, Remington Peters and Olivia Vasquez; great-grandchildren, Oliver Cooper and baby Banks Kokesh. He was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Hila.

The family invites you to celebrate Andrews’s life with them at 5:00 P.M., Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Crosspoint Topeka, 5440 SW 37th St., Topeka, Kansas. If you feel comfortable, please wear your favorite tye die clothing to Andrew’s Celebration of Life. There will be a light dinner served following the ceremony.