John Watkins

John Douglas Watkins (J.D.), 87, Morgantown, WV, formally of Oakland, Md., died on July 30, 2012 at home.

Born Nov. 3, 1924 in Washington, D.C., he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Marie S. Watkins, this past February. He is survived by his children, Linda Marden, Morgantown, Bonnie Swyter and Mark Watkins, Oakland, and Steve Watkins, Deep Creek area, 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

J.D. was a lifelong photographer, owning his own studios in Gaithersburg, Md. and Huntsville, Ar. where he photographed many famous individuals including Andy Devine, Chita Revera and Bill Clinton. He owned and operated a craft store and photo refinishing business in Oakland and was employed by the National Security Agency, the National Bureau of Standards (NIST) and the Gaithersburg Gazette as a photographer from the early 1950's to mid 1970's. He was a past member of the Kiwanis, Knights of Pythias and Rotary Clubs and served in the US Navy during WWII as a medical and dental tech.

J.D. was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Oakland, Md. where a memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 11:00am. A reception and meal will follow downstairs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to Morgantown Hospice, PO Box 4222, Morgantown, WV, 26504.

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