In Loving Memory of Conrad Thomas Watkins

Conrad Thomas Watkins, 79, of Soda Springs, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home on September 17, 2026, surrounded by the people who loved him.

Conrad was born on April 2, 1947, in Soda Springs, Idaho, to Mary Elizabeth Watkins and Marvin LaVelle Watkins. He grew up in the small town of Conda, Idaho, where he learned the values that would stay with him throughout his life: hard work, helping others, family, faith, and treating people with respect.

Conrad was a man who could do just about anything. He was a true handyman with an incredible work ethic and was always willing to lend a hand, offer advice, or find a way to fix whatever needed fixing. In his younger years, he worked farming, milking cows, herding sheep, and riding horses. In high school, he worked at Phillips 66. He later found his career and spent 35 years working for Monsanto. After retirement he worked at Caribou Auto, Danger Boy Auto Parts, and worked in maintenance for the Soda Springs School District. He made many lifetime friends in all his working years.

Conrad proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic and driver/operator. He was a proud Vietnam veteran, and his service remained an important part of who he was.

A graduate of Soda Springs High School on May 25, 1966, Conrad was an accomplished athlete. He lettered in football and wrestling, won district wrestling, and competed successfully in several track events. He was also a lifeguard and spent many years serving his community as a licensed EMT and instructor. His dedication to helping others continued throughout his life through his volunteer EMT work, the Salmon Feed, and the Monsanto STAR program. During his time at Monsanto, he helped make significant improvements involving safety, the STAR program, and the fire department.

But for all of Conrad's accomplishments, the things he was most proud of were much closer to home.

He was a father. He was a grandfather. He was family.

Conrad had a strong love for his children and grandchildren, and being a grandfather was one of his proudest accomplishments. He loved spending time with his family and creating memories that will be carried on for generations.

Conrad was married to Belinda Kaye McDonald from 1971 to 1975, and later to Teresa Hogan Watkins from 1975 to 2023.

He is survived by his children, Jade Watkins (Shayla Bragg), Codi Stephens (Tyler

Stephens), Heath Watkins, and Deven Watkins (Danelle Watkins), as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought tremendous joy to his life.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Hailey Jo (John Welch), Shelby Hatch (David Ames), Kayla Watkins (Zak Deford), Hattie Gilgen, Alcea Watkins, Harley Watkins, Blayklee Stephens, Olivia Watkins, Dillon Butler (Hailey Butler), Braxton Butler (Angel Butler), Trey Stephens (Reese Stephens), Karson Stephens, Ryker Long, Kayl Watkins, Andrew Bragg, Jayce Bragg (Myra Bragg), William Bragg (Alyssa Bragg), Everett Watkins, Dutton Watkins, Cooper Butler, Everleigh Butler, Lainey Butler, Connor Johnston, Skylar Welch, Millie Welch, Ridge Obieta, Xavier Bragg, Zeke Bragg, Zaveah Bragg, Ekko Bragg, Kashton Hatch, Kohen Hatch, and Kozie Ames.

He was preceded in death by his son Conrad Watkins Jr., his son Kenny Bragg, his mother Mary Elizabeth Watkins, his father Marvin LaVelle Watkins, and his sister Jolene Humbert.

He is survived by his sister Vickie Stoor.

Conrad was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. His words were often filled with wisdom, humor, or both. He had a way of giving advice that people remembered long after the conversation was over.

He had a natural ability to make people feel respected, loved, and welcome. To many people in the community, Conrad became much more than a friend. He was a counselor, a mentor, a paternal figure, and someone people knew they could turn to. His compassion and willingness to help others left an impression on countless lives.

Conrad was also a true outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, reading, listening to his music, and spending time with his family. One of his most special hobbies was making fishing rods through Rods by Rad. He made rods for his grandchildren, ensuring that each one had something made especially for them and a lasting reminder of their grandfather.

His faith became an especially meaningful part of his final chapter. Conrad had a strong testimony of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Before his passing, he attended Caribou Bible Church, where he found a renewed faith in Jesus Christ and developed a strong relationship with God. During this time, he also formed a special friendship with Jeff Uskoski, whom he came to consider a brother. His renewed faith brought him comfort and peace, allowing him to face the end of his life surrounded by love and with confidence in his faith.

Those who knew Conrad will remember his kindness, his laughter, his wisdom, his humor, and his willingness to help anyone who needed him. They will remember the stories, the hunting trips, the fishing trips, the advice, the jokes, the family gatherings, and all the little

moments that became lifelong memories.

And, of course, those closest to him will remember one of Conrad's favorite warnings:

"You would rather French kiss a rattlesnake than mess with me."

That was Conrad — tough, funny, straightforward, and unforgettable.

Above all else, Conrad loved his family. His family will miss him deeply, but they will carry his lessons, his stories, his humor, his faith, and his love with them.

Conrad will be missed and loved by all who knew him. His family is deeply grateful for all of the love, prayers, kindness, and support shown to them during this time.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Conrad's life will be held on:,

September 24, 2026 11:00 AM Caribou Bible Church Soda Springs, Idaho

A reception with food will follow the service at Caribou Bible Church.

Until we meet again, Dad, Grandpa, brother, friend, and fellow outdoorsman. You were loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten.