Dr. Joseph Thomas Watkins

Joseph Thomas Watkins, 89, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 16, 1936, in St. Louis, Missouri, Joe was the son of Thomas and Genivieve, and grew up alongside his brothers, Michael and Thomas Jr.. He met his wife Linda (Blazi) while in medical school. He knew she was the one from the first time he met her. They vowed to build a family. They kept that vow as their north star for over 60 years. Joe lived a life anchored firmly in hard work and a deep devotion to his family. He spent his career dedicated to his pathology practice, applying the same precision and commitment to his profession as he did to every area of his life. He established his lab, became chief of staff of Mount Clemens General Hospital as well as vice president. Beyond his career, he spent years coaching his children’s sports teams, ensuring he was always present and involved in their lives. He was known as “Doc” to the kids' friends and teammates. He would spend hours with his legal pad and gold pen, drawing lineups and changing formations late into the night. Joe was a man of distinct character and simple pleasures. He was known for his incredible barbecue, his passion for yard work, his signature impatience, and his profound love of vacation. He was also fondly remembered for his talent for making up chores to ensure his children always stayed busy. Joe possessed a legendary gift for storytelling, spinning captivating yarns about his childhood shenanigans with Tom and Mike, as well as memorable tales from his days in the Army. Above all else, Joe’s greatest joy was spending time with and taking care of his wife and his grandchildren. He would give his advice in a direct and protective manner. His wife and children led to a playfulness displayed in dinner parties, devils night, and really any day of the week especially when orchestrated by Linda. He leaves behind a powerful blueprint for life. Joe taught everyone around him that hard work pays off, and firmly believed that doing the right thing is simply what one should do—all the time. His devotion to his family and his unyielding persistence for doing the right thing will continue to carry on through the generations. While it is difficult to summarize this man’s life in a few paragraphs, we can reflect on what cousin David stated simply “this guy won at life”. He didn’t win by luck, he worked so hard to improve the situation he was born into, helping to lift his brothers and their families as they worked to do the same. St Joseph is the patron saint of workers, Joe was aptly named. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his children, Mike (Samia), John (Shelly), Annie, and Mary (Craig); his brother, Mike; and his cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Eleri, Daniel, Martin, Summer, Grace, Charlie, Luke, and Graham. Funeral Mass will be on Thursday July 2, 2026 at 10:30am, St. John Fisher Parish 3665 E. Walton BLVD, Auburn Hills MI 48326, with a brief visitation with family beforehand beginning at 9:30am. Please join us for lunch afterwards at Oakland University Golf and Learning Center at the Golf Pavilion, 492 Golfview Lane, Rochester Hills MI 48309, even if you are unable to attend the funeral mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dr. Joseph and Linda Watkins Spartan Cornerstone Challenge Scholarship in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University (AS000103).

Dr. Joseph Thomas Watkins

December 16, 1936 - June 27, 2026