Age 82 - Robert Daniel Watts, Jr. was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 16, 1941, the first child of Robert Daniel Watts, Sr., and Emma Watts, Née Snyder. He was followed by his brother and best friend, Carl Watts, born October 30th, 1942.
Robert joined the Air Force in 1960, due to his love of airplanes, as he became an aircraft mechanic and, to send money back to his family. He also stated many times Cleveland was a difficult city to grow up in and if he hadn't joined the military, he would have "gone to jail or been in the cemetery" at an early age. He would shake his head thoughtfully and give a bemused smile.
Robert retired from the Air Force in 1980, but continued doing aircraft mechanic contract work for various companies, including Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
Robert married more than once, but agreed that Eloise Watts, Née Macon, was his greatest love, although they divorced in 2008.
Robert had other passions outside of airplanes. He always enjoyed travel. Whether that was in the U.S. or Asia. He also loved the south, settling down in Louisiana and Texas during his later years.
Robert also loved history, and was a walking encyclopedia on various historical facts about many topics including wars, and Great Britain, which he had a great passion for. He also attended college and was only a few credits short of graduating with a Bachelor's of Science.
Robert was diagnosed in his late 70's with vascular dementia and was subsequently moved back to Omaha by his daughter Michelle for care.
Robert passed at his nursing home, St. Joseph Villa, where staff stated they loved his great sense of humor, which he kept almost to the end and his big personality. The staff took good care of him for the three years he resided there.
Robert is survived by his daughter Michelle Watts-Avila, and her husband, Robert Avila, son, Stephen Eric Watts and his wife, Sandra Watts and his daughter, Phoenicia Elaine Watts. He is also survived by his brother Carl's wife, Clara Ellis Watts, his cousin Harvey Williams and extended family.
Robert is survived by a host of loving family and friends. Graveside Service with Military Honors Thursday (5/23/2024) 1:30 PM at Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Road, Omaha, NE 68138.
Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - Ames Chapel - 4932 Ames Ave - Omaha, NE - 402-453-5600 www.RoederMortuary.com