Thomas Watts Jr.

Thomas Watts Jr.

Thomas Watts Jr. of McCleary, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Friday March 11, 2011 surrounded by his family. He was 96 years old.
Throughout his many years, Tommy was fortunate to find and marry the love of his life, Dorothy, and raise a family. His other accomplishments include serving in the Army Air Corps during WWII where he earned a Theatre ribbon, a Bronze Battle Star, and a Good Conduct medal. He served his country again during the Korean War earning a Korean Service medal, three Bronze Service Stars, a United Nations Service Medal, and a clasp of good conduct.
Tommy not only very dearly loved his family, but also his community. He was one of the founding members of the current Elma Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was also an active member of the McCleary Veterans of Foreign Wars and the McCleary Grange. He was perhaps best known for his generosity and selflessness.
He was born in Liverpool, England on April 13, 1914. He immigrated to America with his mother as an infant and grew up in Tacoma. He moved with his wife to McCleary in 1954 where he would spend the next 61 years of his life creating a family of more than 70 descendants. He worked for the Simpson Timber Company for 25 years and spent much of his retired life gardening, reading, and enjoying his family and farm.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his sister Evelyn, his sons Charles, Andrew, and Bruce, his daughters Connie Joe, Betty, and Joyce, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on March 19 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Elma, WA. He will then be laid to rest in the McCleary cemetery with potluck to follow at the McCleary Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall.