Stanley Read Watkins

Stanley Read Watkins

Cedar Rapids

Stanley Read Watkins, 95, died on September 7, 2024, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with his family at his side. He was born on June 22, 1929, in Las Cruces, New Mexico to Esther Blickenstaff Watkins and Wilber Ellis Watkins. He attended high school in Las Cruces and was active in Boy Scouts, church, and sports. With his partner, in high school, he won the state championship in tennis doubles.

He attended McPherson College in Kansas where he met his wife, Marilue. He completed his B.S. degree in chemistry in 1951 at New Mexico State University. Stan was active in varsity tennis, a member of the TKE fraternity and the Student Christian Association. He served as a camp counselor one summer at the American Youth Foundation in Michigan.

Upon graduation, he was employed by du Pont in their Atomic Energy Division at the Savannah River Plant as a chemist and shift supervisor. He married Marilue Bowman, his Kansas sweetheart on June 6, 1952. While with du Pont, they lived in Rockville, Indiana, and then North Augusta, South Carolina.

After three years with du Pont, he entered graduate school at the University of Colorado, Boulder, earning a Ph.D in Analytical Chemistry in 1958.

Following graduation, he was hired as an Assistant Professor at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In the following years, he studied and did research at the University of Iowa, Michigan State University, and the University of North Carolina. In addition to his teaching duties, he was elected to serve on numerous significant faculty committees at Coe before retiring after 34 dedicated years.

He supported student research projects on trace elements in the environment and the structure of metal complexes with biological components in serum resulting in five scientific publications. Stan directed several National Science Foundation (NSF) programs for high ability high school students, several Undergraduate Research Participation programs and was a faculty advisor for an NSF program of student originated studies and NSF Scientific Equipment grants.

During his career in Cedar Rapids, he and Marilue raised two children, Kendall and Lynn. The family was active in church outreach endeavors, music activities, and travel both domestic and foreign. Tennis and sailing were his special pursuits. He enjoyed taking family, friends, and students in his boat at Lake Macbride. He served on community committees including the Cedar Rapids Hospital Council, the Human Services Planning Committee of the United Way, the Finance and Stewardship Committees of the First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Rapids and the Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Marilue, son Kendall Watkins (Heather) of Des Moines, daughter Lynn Gentry (Marty) of Lexington, KY, four grandchildren, Samantha and Evan Watkins and Turner and Mason Gentry. Survivors also include brother-in-law, Larry Bowman (Ann) and numerous nieces and nephews. He donated his body to the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine for scientific and educational purposes. There will be no services at Stanley’s request. Memorial donations may be made to the Stanley Watkins endowed chair or to the Stanley Watkins Fund for Research at Coe College, 1220 1st Ave NE. Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.