Richard Guy Watkins, 91, of Guymon, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Richard was born on April 16, 1935, in Guymon, Oklahoma, to Guy and Anna Watkins. A lifelong resident of Guymon, he graduated from Guymon High School in 1953. On December 26, 1955, he married Alice Mae Mans, beginning a lifelong partnership built on their love, commitment, and devotion to family.

Richard spent 40 years with Phillips Petroleum, beginning his career on June 25, 1956, and retiring on May 1, 1997. He took great pride in his work and was respected by those who worked alongside him for his dependability, honesty, and quiet determination.

While he worked hard throughout his life, Richard found his greatest happiness in time spent with family and outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing, and few things brought him more satisfaction than tying flies by hand or planning annual trips to the San Juan Ranch in the mountains of Creede, Colorado. He especially enjoyed family gatherings, where stories, laughter, and memories were shared. Some of his favorite conversations were those spent trading stories with his brother, Jerry. Family and friends will also fondly remember Richard for his homemade peach jelly, a labor of love that became a treasured tradition and something everyone looked forward to each year.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Anna Watkins; his son, Michael Watkins; his sisters, Margaret Whitfield and her husband, John, Peggy Tharan, Kay Graham and her husband, Ross, and Alice Batterman and her husband, Melvin; and his daughter-in-law, Tammy Watkins.

He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 71 years, Alice Mae Watkins; his brother, Jerry Watkins and his wife, Lou; his son, Mark Watkins; his daughter, Susan Carver and her husband, John; his grandchildren, Ben Watkins and his wife, Valerie, Haley Turner and her husband, Bryan, Christopher Smith, and Timothy Smith; his great-grandsons, Stewart Watkins and Duke Watkins; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Richard will be remembered as a man of quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and deep love for his family. He never sought recognition but instead lived a life that demonstrated the value of hard work, humility, and kindness. He found joy in simple pleasures—a day on the water, a walk in the mountains, a conversation with family, or sharing a meal with someone he loved. Those who knew him will remember his gentle nature, his steady presence, and the example he set through the way he lived his life.

Though he will be greatly missed, his legacy lives on in the family he loved so dearly and in the countless memories they will carry with them always.

The family will greet friends at the Bunch - Roberts Funeral Home on Wednesday evening, July 8th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday morning, July 9th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Guymon with Father Joseph Schwarz, Celebrant.  Interment will follow in the Elmhurst Cemetery.  Services are entrusted to Bunch - Roberts Funeral Home of Guymon.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, kindness, and support shown during this grim time.  Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com.