Earl Watters

1920 - 2017

Earl E. Watters, M.D.

On January 28, 2017, at the age of 96, Earl E Watters, MD passed away peacefully at home, with loving family by his side.

Earl was born on October 17, 1920 to Frank and Mary Lee Watters. Earl grew up on the family farm, fourteen miles north of Broadus, Montana. One can almost hear him telling the tale of having to ski all those miles to school as a child.

He was one of five children; Earl was predeceased by his siblings, his older sister, Mabel (Johnston), two older brothers, Elmer and George, and his younger sister, Helen "Louise" (Whitehead).

A graduate of Montana State University, Earl went on to earn his doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree at California College of Medicine in 1944. He completed his internship at Magnolia Hospital, Long Beach, California. While interning he met Peggy who was working there as an RN. They were married on March 9, 1945. The newlyweds settled in Compton, California, where the family continued living until 1962 when they relocated to Long Beach. Earl received his Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) in 1962 from California College of Medicine (now UCI).

Dr. Watters' career as a physician spanned over thirty years; he delivered hundreds of babies, as well as babies of those babies. He was a member of the Medical Staff at Long Beach Pacific Hospital beginning in 1946. He was Chief of Staff and also served on the Board of Directors for a number of years. He joined the staff of Long Beach Memorial Hospital when their doors opened in 1960, and remained on staff at both hospitals until he retired in 1979.

Earl loved to fish, as well as swim with the fish. Whether it was deliberate or unintentional, he made it a habit to do so at least once every family vacation. He also had a genuine passion for gardening; growing his own tomatoes as recently as last summer.

In addition to his being a dedicated physician, Earl was a devoted husband, and was predeceased by his first wife of 42 years, Peggy, and his second wife of 24 years, Madge. He was a beloved father, and is survived by his four children, Mary Leigh (Charles Blek), David, Daniel, and Teresa Watters. He was a loving grandfather to his seven grandchildren: David Watters, Jr., Matthew, Timothy, and Maren Blek, Shannon and Scott Watters, and Tessa Bildstein. He is also survived by six great grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. He will be deeply missed.

As were his wishes there will be no service. A private interment will be held at Ascension Cemetery, Lake Forest, California

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