Dr. Carson E. Watt

1944 - 2025

Dr. Carson E. Watt

Mar 7, 1944 - Jun 25, 2025

Carson Earl Watt, 81, passed away peacefully a little before 5am on June 25, 2025, in Bryan, Texas.

Carson Earl was born March 7, 1944, in Pampa, Texas, to TJ Watt and Vivian Ysleta Watt.

Preceded in birth by older brother, Gary Wayne, the family grew to include sister Vivian Annice, followed by brothers Ernie Ray and lastly, Bobby Lee. Carson and his siblings loved to explore the West Texas countryside, between Pampa and Borger, from an oilfield community called Skellytown. The family eventually moved to Levelland, Texas where Carson played Lobo football and became an avid boxer under the coaching of his father. Many stories of adventure and oftentimes mischief were recounted, lasting through his teenage years and adulthood as his love for the outdoors continued through countless hunting and fishing trips. Carson instilled his love for fitness and outdoor activities with each of his children and grandchildren, patiently teaching his skills and know-how, ensuring they would all be good stewards of God's creation

Carson's other great loves were his wife and family which began when he met Vada Beth Nichols at South Plains Junior College in Levelland, Texas. They soon married, on March 7, 1964, and she stood by his side as he finished his undergraduate degree at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Shortly after marriage, Carson accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior while attending College Avenue Baptist Church. With Vada by his side, Carson went on to achieve his Master of Science and Ph.D. in Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University, College Station, where they chose to reside in Bryan, Texas, raising their three children and attending Central Baptist Church.

Dr. Carson Watt was Professor Emeritus of Texas A&M University in the Dept. of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Sciences. He spent his academic career assisting the citizens of the state of Texas develop tourism and recreational opportunities working for Texas Cooperative Extension. Dr. Watt spent his entire career working to grow tourism and help rural communities to be sustainable throughout the U.S. In 2002 Dr. Watt was recognized by Governor Perry and the Texas State Legislature in Senate Proclamation No. 809 for 31 years of service and contributions to the tourism industry for the people of the state of Texas.

Carson was a dedicated professor and steward of Texas resources, but was an even more dedicated follower of Jesus Christ and an example of Christ's love. Anyone who knew him or crossed his path witnessed God's love. He taught Sunday School, led Bible studies and ministries, and assisted countless people when they were experiencing hardships. He was ordained as a deacon at Central Baptist and served in that role for many years. Carson retired early from his profession to stay by his wife Vada's side every moment as she battled cancer for over a decade. His beloved Vada Beth passed away September 13, 2012.

A few years later, Carson met and ultimately married Jackie McClendon, of Waco, Texas, on June 7, 2019. Carson moved from Bryan to reside in Waco with Jackie, he loved her with devotion during his final years. He also loved and treated her sons, Wade and Michael, and their families like they were his own. Carson is survived by Jackie and her sons and their families.

He is also survived by his three loving children, James Bonner Watt, wife Sonia Sandoval Watt, and their six children James Cameron Watt, Joseph Conner Watt, Joshua Carson Watt, Joelle Catalina Watt, Jorja Clarissa Watt, and Jamesy Cassandra Watt; Thomas Jason Watt, wife Theresa Jean Watt, and their two children Adam Michael Watt and Olivia Ysleta Holbrook; and daughter Krista Noel Watt and her partner, Justin Cheung. Great grandchildren include Kyren Ace Watt, Lily Jean Holbrook, Ronin Ari Watt, Ezra James Watt, Atticus Jack Holbrook, Teran Aro Watt, Elijah Carson Watt, and Elizabeth Nicole Watt.

He is preceded in death by his parents, TJ and Ysleta Watt, older brother Gary Watt, and his wife of 49 years, Vada Beth Watt.

A graveside service will be held at Bryan Cemetery on Saturday, August 2, at 9:30am, followed by a celebration of life service at 11am at Central Church in College Station, Texas. Catered lunch will follow with opportunity for anyone wishing to visit with the family or say a few words about Carson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to response, relief, and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the devastating Texas river floods of July 2025. We also ask that you consider supporting the Celebrate Recovery ministry in your area and local well-coached boxing clubs, and fishing and hunting clubs, that give young people an alternative to otherwise "mischievous" behaviors.

Please visit www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share deepest condolences and expressions of gratitude for Carson and a life well lived.

Hillier of Bryan

2301 E. 29th St. Bryan, TX 77802