Gerald “Gerry” O. Watts, 83, passed away peacefully at his home on October 29, 2021. Gerry once said that upon his death, “The Good Lord finally got brave enough to take me home!”
Gerald was born August 21, 1938, in Portis to Orville Richard and Edna Mae (Maier) Watts. He went to Portis schools from 1944-46. At that time the family moved to Harlan where he continued his education until 1954. The Watts family returned to Portis and Gerry graduated from Portis High School in 1956. He attended Fort Hays State College from 1956-58. In 1958, he went to work as a bookkeeper for a Hays furniture/appliance store. Gerry and Marlene Bender were united in marriage in June, 1959. In the summer of 1962, Gerry, his wife, and daughter, Debbie moved to Colorado Springs where he got a job with a building company. They were blessed with two additional children, Don and Terry. He continued working in the building industry as an employee and eventually an owner. In 2003 Gerry and Marlene moved to Downs, Kansas where he opened Timeless Treasures LLC on Morgan avenue, downtown Downs. He remained active in the Downs United Methodist Church, Downs Chamber of Commerce (treasurer), and the community.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Donald Gene Watts in October 2019; and his brother Jackie “Jack” Joe Watts in March 2021.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Marlene, of the home; brother, Mike “Mick” Watts; daughter, Deborah Kahler (Page); son, Terence Watts (Christine); Grandchildren Shelley Kahler Meaux (Steve), Devin Watts (Raquel Vasquez), Kirsten Kahler (Thomas Ragsdale), Angela Watts, and Garrett Watts; one great grandchild, Lucien Albert Meaux and three step grandchildren, Anastasia, Joseph, and Angelina Berglund.
Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, November 4, 2021, at the Downs United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. No visitation.
Memorials may be given to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital, United Methodist Church, Angel Care Services, Solomon Valley Hospice or the Agape Shop in care of Domoney Funeral Home, PO Box 127, Downs, Kansas 67437