Joseph Watkins
Steward’s Mate Second Class • U.S. Navy
Entered service from New Jersey • Died June 2, 1945
Introduction
Joseph Watkins was the son of Lester Watkins. He was born in New Jersey on November 3, 1926, coming after older brother Williams and before younger brother Theodore. When the census was taken in April of 1930, the family had broken up. Lester Watkins was living in Lawnside NJ, apart from his sons, who were being cared for by an older married couple, Andrew and May Hatton, who lived on Charleston Road in Lawnside NJ. It appears that Joseph Watkins remained a Lawnside resident until he joined the United States Navy during the World War II years.
Steward’s Mate Watkins was serving in the United States Navy when he died due to causes unrelated to combat in Kern County, California on June 2, 1945. He is thought to have been killed in a car accident. He was survived by his father of 207 Motts Street, Lawnside NJ. Joseph Watkins is memorialized on the Lawnside NJ War Memorial.