Eugene J. Watts

I haven't seen Gene in many years, but always knew he was out there somewhere. Now I know he is gone from this life and it makes me sad. We were friends in the early 60s'- his formative years - and I casually followed his career over the years. I offer my sincere sympathy to Gene's family. I knew him when and am very proud to have been a part of his early years.

It is amazing how long you have been gone from this earth ( in physical form) but are still a bright flame that flickers each and every Vet's Day. I'll bet you planned to leave on Vet's Day so we would always have you come to mind...well, it worked! RIP

Cindy: As either John or Carrie hopefully told you, we've been out of town and just returned. We were so sorry to learn of your loss. The expressions here and the hundreds that you've surely received in the past several days are a testament to Gene the person, and hopefully the memories of the years you shared will sustain you in the coming days.

Julia
Our daughter Shevaun was your baby sitter when we helped your dad run his first senate campaign. My law office served as campaign HQ in those early day of the first campaign. What a thrill it was to have all those other vets rally to his support. Time has pased and we have all moved on, but I was very happy to stay in touch with Gene and very saddened by his passing. Only a week ago he wrote to me telling me of his pending hunting trip. I know how much he was looking forward to...

I remember when my mother called to tell me she had just been asked out by " Mean Gene Watts"! She told me of the night they met and how he asked her for her phone number. Just as stubborn as Gene, she told him to look her up in the phone book if he wanted to ask her out on a date. Of course, when Gene wanted something he would go after it. And so their love story began.

Many have spoken about Gene's careers, dynamic (and sometimes brash) opinions; yet there was a soft side to...

It was truly my honor to know and spend the 2 days with the Watt's family as Gene moved on to the next phase of his life. Gene touched so many people in so many different ways. The out pouring of love and respect shown the past few days has been most comforting. Gene, the "Yo Yo's" as you affectionaley dubbed us ,Cindy's group of girlfriends, will miss you.


Susan Foley

Cynthia,

I was unable to stay after the service this morning and I did want to share with you how much I appreciated working with Gene on educational issues. When I served as President of the State Board of Education, I could always go to Gene and get the necessary support for substantial reform measures. Two issues especially stand out. He was instrumental in passing the 9th -grade proficiency test which was the beginning of academic accountability for Ohio. He also was willing to...

Gene was one of the finest men I knew. I met him through my husband many years ago. He was a fighter for the causes he believed in and a proud Vietnam Veteran. My family even wore the bright orange t-shirts in many a parade with him. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

I was extremely saddened to hear of Gene's passing. Even though we had been apart from each other for a while, I still considered him a great friend. We had many good years together prior to my relocating to Phoenix. Last time I saw Gene was at Dave Aldstadt's memorial and the first thing we did was bawl our eyes out in each other's arms. Now we don't have Gene to lean on and have lost another great leader for Veteran's rights. He was probably the most intelligent person and natural...