Obituary: Matthew Paul “Matt” Watkins

Matthew Paul “Matt” Watkins

July 10, 1996 – October 10, 2023

Matthew Paul “Matt” Watkins, age 27, of Allegan, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.  Born July 10, 1996 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, he was the son of Jeffrey Watkins and Barbara (Watkins) Butler.

Matt graduated from Allegan High School in 2014 and enjoyed his career at Thermotron. In 2018, he married the love of his life, his one and only girlfriend, Julia (Radke) Watkins. They were not just husband and wife but best friends who cherished spending time together traveling to several national parks, biking, hiking, canoeing, boating, and their newest hobby, two-tracking in their jeep. Matt also enjoyed old cars, carving wood animals (that he loved to give as gifts), drawing, meditating, learning about science and technology, reading, and was currently learning German.

Matt was an artist at heart, a beautiful person who has touched many hearts with his compassionate, quiet, and gentle nature. His death was tragic and unexpected and leaves a hole in many hearts. In his passing, we remember Matt as a man of kindness, a loving husband, son, brother, and a friend to all who knew him.  His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Over the past four years, Matt has suffered from Crohn’s disease. He grew tired of infusion treatments and the constant battle to stay healthy. He left this world way before his time and all we can do now is honor his memory and live by his example – treating all creatures with kindness.

Those left to cherish Matt’s memory are his beloved wife, Julia; his mother Barbara (Jay) Butler; father, Jeffrey (Jane) Watkins; sisters, Jessica Martindale and Christina Watkins; Julia’s parents, Joshua and Erin Radke; sisters, Daisy (Andrew) Hartman, and Alison Radke; grandparents, several aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and co-workers.

Those wishing to honor Matt may meet with the family at Christ Community Church (3370 113th Ave., Allegan, MI 49010) on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, with the Celebration of Life service beginning at 2:00 PM. The family wishes to thank all those who have reached out to them during this most difficult time. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, 26555 Evergreen Rd. Suite 625, Southfield, MI 48076, or to SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) of Southwest Michigan, 6955 W. KL Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49009.