Michael E Watkins 58, of Rapid City, SD, passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2020, surrounded by his family at Monument Health after a brief battle with lung cancer.

Mike was born April 28, 1962, to Thomas and Audrey (Johnson) Watkins, in Simi Valley, CA. Mike was married to Paula Martin. To that union 4 children were born, Travis, Stephanie, Shane and Shania. On July 7, 2001, Mike married Renae Carlson. To this union one son Dylan was born.

Mike grew up in California and Virginia. He enjoyed playing baseball and was an Eagle Scout. He went to Vo Tech to become an electrician and moved to Rapid City, SD, where he worked for Muellenberg Electric for approximately 30 years.

Mike enjoyed boating and camping, especially the company campouts at Angostura Lake. He also enjoyed going to the races, where he helped his friend Darwin Shoop with his race car. He also enjoyed playing darts for many years through Rushmore Amusement. His teammates nicknamed him "Hippie."

Mike also enjoyed coaching his sons Travis and Dylan in baseball with Rushmore Little League. He later coached his grandson Mason in baseball. He was always willing to help the Rushmore Little League Organization with the fields and umpired for many years. He helped put the lights on the Majors field. He also enjoyed watching his son Dylan play baseball with the Central Cobblers. He enjoyed watching all his grandkids play baseball, football, basketball, and softball. Mike was a member of the Eagles Lodge.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Renae; his children, Travis (Bridget), Stephanie (Lance), Shane (Coty), Shania, and Dylan; 13 grandchildren; 4 brothers, Daryl (Terri) Watkins, of Vancouver WA, John (Jane) Watkins, of La Crescenta CA, Tom Watkins, of Grover Beach, CA, and Ken (Nancy) Wiedbrecht, of Hill City, SD; sister-in-law, LeAnn Faber, of Rapid City, SD, sister-in-law, Cathy (Alec) Black, of Arborfield, Saskatchewan, Canada, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, sister Denise (Wiedbrecht} Young, sister Denise Watkins, father and mother-in-law Marvin and Mata Carlson, brother-in-law Mark Carlson and brother-in-law Bill Faber.

Memorial visitation will be on Monday, January 4, from 5-7 pm, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, 2700 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD.

Services will be held on Tuesday, January 5, at 11:00 am, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1630 Rushmore St, Rapid City, SD.

Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the Eagles Lodge, 1410 E Centre St., Rapid City, SD.