Gerald Don Watts

Gerald Don Watts passed away on April 26, 2026. He was born October 23,1948 to Charlie Watts and Cleada Shewmake Watts in Slaton, Texas. The family moved to Ballinger, Texas when Gerald was 12 years old and he lived there until graduating from high school in 1967.

After graduation he joined the Navy and was sent to Vietnam where he received a Combat Action Ribbon. During his second tour, he was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii where he was a first-class diver and enjoyed his position as a scuba diving instructor. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Texas and enrolled in Texas A&M where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. He had a long career in the oil field industry.

Gerald had a life-long love of cars and animals, especially quarter horses, which he raised for many years at his home in Hempstead, Texas. He is proceeded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Terry and Jackie. Survivors include his brothers Robert Watts and wife Annette of San Angelo, Alan Watts and wife Debbie of Ballinger, his son Matthew Watts of Harker Heights, grandson Mykel Watts and his wife Alexis and two great-grandchildren Alisia and Auliver.

The family would like to thank his good friends, Alex R. Martinez and his family for watching over him until his passing. Gerald will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery alongside his father Charlie and brother Jackie. Graveside services will be held at a later date.