Michael Lee Watkins, beloved father and local restauranteur passed away
in the early morning of January 25, 2025.
Born on May 6, 1949 to Malcolm Ernest Watkins and Dorothy Faye MacAnelly Watkins in Gatesville, TX; he was 75 years old, at the time of his departure.
He will be sorely missed by many.
As a young fellow, Michael was a doting, caring brother to his two siblings, Suzanne and David. He was an adventurous lad, spending many hours exploring the fields and waterways of Erath County. It was said that he could identify any local bird call or animal track to be found in the area. This love of adventure follow him through further travels later in life.
Michael attended high school at Stephenville High School at 2650 W. Overhill Dr., Stephenville, TX. He distinguished himself in his studies, and in athletic programs, to earn a full-ride, football scholarship to Texas Tech University in Lubbock. As a starting middle linebacker for the Red Raiders, Michael was noted for his tenacity and skill. He could outplay other competitors who exceeded him in both size and speed. During this time, he made many life-long friends and participated in many character building experiences.
Following college, Michael heeded a wanderlust and traveled the capitals of Europe, backpacking his way across the continent. His desire to learn the ways of new places and peoples helped to cultivate an open mind and tolerant attitude. These qualities would later serve him well in life. And his exploits in Europe became the subjects of many, oft-repeated tales. Michael was a natural raconteur.
As a young adult, Michael married Katherine Elaine Angelos, of El Paso, TX; a fellow student at Tech. The two moved to Waco, TX to set about building their new life. After working a number of various jobs in the Waco area, Michael partnered with Pat Snuffer to open a restaurant in Dallas, TX called Snuffer’s. The original location was at 3526 Greenville Ave.
This new restaurant was Michael’s first enterprise and a valuable business experience at a hot location. He navigated a demanding learning curve to become an expert, operations manager and judge of character. During this time, Michael and Kathy also started a family with two children named Jesse Michael(1979) and Alyssa Katherine(1981). Michael’s overwhelming desire to provide for his family drove him to work 16-20 hours a day, everyday, in order to make Snuffer’s a success.
While the restaurant thrived, his marriage did not. His dedication to work found him away from home more than he would have liked. Michael and Kathy divorced in 1984 but he continued to be an eager presence in the lives of his children. He would do so throughout his life.
In the early 1990s, Michael and Pat disbanded their partnership and went their separate ways. By then, Michael was married to Ruth Price Watkins of Tulsa, OK. He had two more children, Katie Jane(1991) and Mary Paige(1992). It was at this time in Carrollton, TX, that Michael was laying the initial groundwork for a new restaurant in Tulsa. He, Ruth and the girls relocated to Oklahoma. In 1994, the Brook Restaurant was installed in 3401 S. Peoria, at the sight of a former movie theater.
Because of his previous experience at Snuffers, and a desireable business location, the Brook became popular immediately. The restaurant features large portions of comforting, familiar American classic dishes and has many devoted customers to this day.
For the next 30 years, Michael and the Brook Restaurant were fixtures in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He expanded operations to include two other Brook locations at 7727 E. 91st Street and at 201 E. 2nd Street South.
In the meantime, his children grew up. Michael’s compassion and generosity characterized his relationship with them at all times. He was noted for his lavish attention to detail during family, Sunday dinners. He encouraged his children to read and learn and travel. His natural giving spirit extended beyond his family, as well. Michael was known to be fair and generous with friends, employees, associates and neighbors alike.
To join his forebearers at the great ancentral table, Michael Lee Watkins leaves behind: Suzanne and Mike Ballow, Michael, Alyssa, Katie, Maynon, Monica, Meggan, Fletcher, Patterson, Michael Linwood, Jonah, Ethan, Thomas, Maxon and May.
He will be dearly missed.
A public memorial for Michael will be held at the Church of St. Mary at 1347 East 49th Place, Tulsa, Ok 74105, on February 3 at 10:30am.
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