Brian Scott Watkins

Brian Scott Watkins, 55, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away in the comforting presence of his family on January 23, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with stage 4 lymphoma.

Born on January 12, 1971, in Lexington, Kentucky, Brian was the beloved son of Jerry and Sally Watkins and proud big brother to Greg Watkins. He built a beautiful life alongside Tanya Marie Coleman (Toni), whom he married on January 18, 1997. A devoted and loving husband, Brian and Toni recently celebrated 29 years of marriage. Together, Brian and Toni raised two wonderful children, Nathan Scott (27) and Isabelle Rose (Izzy) (23). He was a dedicated father, actively involved in Nathan’s sports and proudly embracing his role as a “dance dad”. Over the years, his support never wavered, whether he was helping with countless DIY projects at Nathan and Val’s home or encouraging Izzy as she pursued her juris doctor from KU Law. In addition to being a great father to Nathan and Izzy, he was the best dog dad and grandpa to Amber, Bailey, and Cooper.

Brian was born a true Kentucky Wildcat, never failing to cheer on the blue and white. After attending the University of Kentucky, Brian went on to start a successful career in communications project management. He had a passion for serving his community through his involvement with Habitat for Humanity and other local organizations. In his free time, he loved spending the weekend at the lake with his friends and family. Always learning, laughing, and growing; he was known to light up every room with a joke.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry, and nephew, Derek Michael.

Brian is survived by his loving wife, Toni, children, Nathan (Valeria) and Izzy, mother, Sally, brother, Greg, nephews, Jackson and Cody, and niece, Kacie.

A visitation will be held and open to the public Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Johnson County Funeral Chapel, Overland Park, KS. An alternate visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. at Wesley Covenant Chapel, Church of the Resurrection, Overland Park, KS, with a funeral service to follow. After the service, burial will be held at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, Overland Park, KS. Following the burial, please join us at the Lionsgate Clubhouse for a reception to celebrate Brian’s life. Lionsgate Clubhouse: 5861 Edgewater Drive, Overland Park, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Cancer team at the University of Kansas Medical Center. https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1312/lg21/form.aspx?sid=1312&gid=1&pgid=791&cid=1843&bledit=1&dids=443.493.387.386.1083.375&sort=1&appealcode=WDP