Santa Clara, Utah – Paul Roger Watkins, 80, passed away October 9, 2024. He was born on January 14, 1944, to Ella Sagers and David Crocket Watkins. He grew up in Roosevelt and attended Utah Union High School.

After graduating from Utah Union High School, he submitted his mission papers and was sent on a two year, California, mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

After returning home from his mission, Paul attended Arizona State University where he got an undergraduate degree and later a Master of Business Administration degree. He continued his education at ASU and went on to earn a PHD. He was hired as a professor with the University of Southern California where he worked for the next 20 years.

During his time at USC Paul traveled around the U.S. and around the world, giving academic presentations at conferences and lecturing at universities. Paul published articles, books and other works based off his research in Cognitive Science. After his tenure with USC, Paul spent the next 10 years as part of a startup, on-line university which hosted over 17,000 students in a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. He retired in 2011 as the chief academic officer.  Paul went on to continue with his education career as a professor for Idaho State University for 5 years before finally retiring from full-time employment.

Paul spent many years serving in the Boy Scout program for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout the years Paul enjoyed snow skiing, skydiving, and hiking.

Paul was proud of his four children, who grew up in San Juan Capistrano, California. He was proud of all his grandchildren, including the grandchildren of his wife Karen.

Paul really enjoyed serving others in the community and abroad. If it was the first time or the hundredth time, Paul was known for his smile each time he met others and for his mild-mannered personality.  In his retired years Paul was always busy around the yard, helping Karen with housework, and playing on his computer. He loved researching family history and putting together books of memories of his family. Paul enjoyed learning about the new areas he discovered and sharing that knowledge with others.

Paul was loved by his wife, children and grandchildren.  He is survived by his wife, Karen Watkins; his children: Jennifer, Kim, Jeremy, Michael; and his stepchildren: Stacie and Jared; as well as his grandchildren: Madison, Bailey, Avery, Cael and Kye.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Santa Clara 4th Ward Chapel, 1705 Desert Dawn Drive, Santa Clara, Utah. A viewing will be held on Thursday, prior to services, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church.

Graveside services will be held Friday, October 18, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Those unable to attend are invited to view the funeral services at the following ZOOM link: Paul Watkins Livestream

Paul Watkins Funeral Service Program