David Owen Watts

1934 - 2024

David Owen Watts passed away peacefully on March 14 with his family at his side. David was born to John and Elizabeth Owen Watts in Camden, Arkansas. He grew up in Camden surrounded by family including many cousins who remained close throughout their lives. He earned a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering at Auburn University and a masters in mechanical engineering at the University of Arkansas. He was married to Carolyn Dietrich Watts, also of Camden, for almost 65 wonderful years. They have lived in Tulsa since 1968. He held jobs primarily in environmental and combustion equipment design at companies including John Zink, KenTube, Callidus, and Trane. He holds a patent for a unique instant hot water heater. David was an active member of Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church for many years and participated in many community activities. In their retirement years, he and Carolyn enjoyed traveling, hiking and gardening. He is survived by Carolyn, their two children: David O Watts, Jr (Zilma) of Decatur, Georgia and Beth Watts Akers (Steve) of Round Rock, Texas, their grandchildren: Stephanie Akers of Dallas, Texas, Lindsay Akers Boiles (Trevor) of Lewisville, Texas, David O. Watts, III of Macon, Georgia, and Nicole Watts of Orlando, Florida, and his brother John C. Watts of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Services will be held on Wednesday, March 20 at Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church in Tulsa and a graveside service in Camden, Arkansas at Greenwood Cemetery on Friday, March 22.