1940-2024
David Leon Watts, age 84, of Edmond, Oklahoma passed away November 21, 2024, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was born March 16, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“Dave” grew up in Danville, Indiana, with his parents, Herb and Harriet, along with his older brother Charlie. After a tough battle with Hepatitis at age 12, his love of sports, music, and competition flourished. He was the quarterback and captain of the football team, played trumpet in the marching band, and enjoyed many great boyhood friendships.
He attended Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, from 1958 to 1963 – where he met his wife, Lorelle in 1960. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Physical Education. He completed Officer Candidate School and spent six years in the Army, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant.
Based on his educational background, military service, love of sports, and heart for service, Dave decided to spend most of his professional years working for the YMCA. While establishing the West County YMCA in Missouri, he prepared and sent 30 YMCA youths to serve as couriers at the 1972 Munich Olympics. He served as the Tinker Area YMCA Executive Director in Midwest City for 17 years. Subsequently, he served as the Vice President of Financial Development for the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City for six years. He was in his downtown YMCA office when the bomb went off at the Murrah Federal Building. If you visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial, you will find his name on the survivor’s wall. As part of his role at the YMCA, Dave earned his Certified Fund Raising Executive designation in 1994. He transitioned to working for the National Benevolent Association’s Oklahoma Christian Retirement Community in 1997 and in 2000 was recognized as the Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the National Society of Fund Raising Executives.
Dave grew up in the Christian faith and served as an Elder at both Midwest Boulevard Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Midwest City and First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Edmond for many years. He sang Tenor and Bass in the choirs and performed the handbells during the holidays.
During retirement, Dave spent his days playing golf. This led to him becoming a Starter at Kickingbird Golf Course in Edmond, Oklahoma. He was heavily involved in growing the Senior Men’s Golf program, making many great friends and winning multiple tournaments.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Lorelle Watts of Edmond; two children, daughter Kim DeQuasie of Midwest City, son Scott Watts and daughter-in-law Jill Watts of Andover Kansas; four loving grandchildren, Megan DeQuasie, Ashleigh Nichols and husband Jared, Abbey Watts, and Danae DeQuasie; and numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Herbert Watts, mother Harriet Watts, brother Charles Watts, sister Wanda Diebold and granddaughter Avery Watts.
Services will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at First Christian Church, 201 E. 2nd St., Edmond, OK 73034. Live streaming will be available by following this link: https://www.fccedmond.org/watts
I’m very sorry for your loss. I knew Dave because his son Scott is married to my sister Jill and there were many family get togethers where he would be present. Scott always talks about his Dad and that he was his best friend. That speaks to how great Dave was. The values he instilled in his every day life translated to how his son lives his life and how Jill and Scott have instilled those values in their daughter Abbey. He and Lorelle built a loving home for Scott and Kim and now their children. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with each of you.
I played golf with David. Early mornings a group of six would tee off. We would do this five days each week. I am sorry about him passing awa. Danney Lidia