STEPHEN KELLY WATTS

July 6, 1952 – December 27, 2024

Vero Beach – Stephen Kelly Watts, 72, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2024, at his home in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Steve was born in Bakersfield, California on July 6, 1952, to John Raymond Watts and Lorraine Louise (Banks) Watts. He graduated from South High School in 1970, where he played football and was a state wrestler. He attended Bakersfield College where he continued wrestling. Steve was a general engineer contractor and especially loved concrete work. He also worked for JTS Construction for many years until retirement.

Steve met the love of his life, Sandra Westover, 29 years ago and they had an instant connection. Two years later they married on June 29, 1998. He and Sandy loved traveling, camping, and spending time with family and friends. Steve enjoyed football, fishing, horseshoes, cornhole, Sci-Fi movies, pickleball, spending time at the cabin with the grandkids, beating them at Left Right Center, and watching the grandkids excel in sports and rodeos. He raised berry trees, papayas, and pineapples next to his custom designed patio. He was a member of Vero Christian Church. He loved helping with the annual Vero Christian Center CareNet Car Show where he could share car stories. Steve or Wattso, as he was called by his friends, was a connoisseur of Al Welte's famous cheese ball recipe and was excited when he beat his buddies in Fantasy Football.

Steve was a patient, understanding father to his three children, Jonathan Levi (Amy) Watts, Jill (Scott Sowa) Watts, and Whitney Watts and his grandchildren, Hunter, Tavin, Chloe, Jase, Callum, and Bodie. He is also survived by his wife, Sandra, sister, Stacy Watts Favors, aunt, Barbara Souza, several nieces and nephews, family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John Alan Watts. We will miss his Donald Duck impressions, his charisma and welcoming smile.

A Celebration of Life will be held later in Bakersfield, California. Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach, FL. An online guestbook is available at www.lowtherfamily.com

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Published by Bakersfield Californian on Jan. 18, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Watts

Sponsored by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory - Vero Beach.

6 Entries

Todd Starr

January 24, 2025

damn we lost a good man. Went to school with Steve and new family well. I also saddened by his passing. Wrestler and good horse sores with him. Condolences to all and to all friends.

Dennise (Frank)

January 22, 2025

Stacy, so sorry to read about Steve's death. Lots of memories from 50+ years ago.

Darrell Wagoner

January 20, 2025

Steve was a larger than life guy in every possible way. A good friend, a good friend.

Mike Cheatham

January 20, 2025

So sorry to learn of Steve´s passing. Always had a big smile and was an excellent all around athlete. Was one tough dude on the wrestling mat. My condolences to his family and to all who cherished his friendship.
Heaven´s getting a good one.
Mike Cheatham

Shelly Little

January 19, 2025

Thoughts and prayers for the family. We have known Steve since high school during his wrestling years at South High. He was a really nice man.
RIP Steve....

Juan Martinez

January 18, 2025

Sending my heartfelt condolences to family of my friend Wattso. I had the pleasure of meeting Steve when after he started working where I worked Kern Steel Fab.
Steve was a high school friend of the son of the company owner, in fact Steve's other friends started working there at the same time Al Welte, Ron Barger they were all South High Grads. Good guys! I was a few years older had graduated from BHS, so I knew of Steve wrestling skills. Even after all moved on on their life's and worked somewhere else we still continued our friendship. Al and I stay in touch often. I'm so sorry to hear about my friend, may Steve Rest In Peace.

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