Terry L. Watkins, 83, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Cedar Haven Healthcare Center in Lebanon, PA. He was born in Tower City, PA, the son of the late Clyde and Marian (Garber) Watkins, and was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Stella M. Watkins. Terry was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Terry valued hard work and took great pride in providing for his family. He was a longtime employee of Bethlehem Steel and later worked as a bricklayer, and concluded his career at the Manheim Auto Auction. He single-handedly built the family home and was always working on construction projects around the property.

Terry was also a very social person who enjoyed visiting friends and family regularly — often at a very early hour of the day! He loved making people laugh with his silly jokes and off-the-cuff remarks. Another of Terry’s passions was food, especially his favorite sweet snacks.

Above all, Terry dearly loved his grandchildren, Clayton and Caden, as well as his many nieces and nephews. He spent many years taking them fishing, attending car shows, and sharing countless other fun experiences.

Terry is survived by his daughters, Mindi Wilson and Teri Manbeck (Steve); grandchildren, Clayton Phelps and Caden Birch; and sister, Carol Williams. In addition to his wife, Stella, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Jim Watkins, Bob Watkins, Betty Shutter, and Patty Adams.

Terry was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. We find comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace and reunited with his beloved wife, Stella.

Burial will take place at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. and will be open to the public. Those attending, please meet at the cemetery at 11:15 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Terry’s memory be made to the Lebanon VA Medical Center, 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon, PA 17042-7529. Thompson Funeral Home Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements.

The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.

At Thompson Funeral Home, four generations of the Thompson family have offered their knowledge, compassion, and experience while serving the families of the Lebanon area for the past 135 years.