Beckham County, OK - Obits: Robert F. Watts, 1908
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell)

 ************************************************
 Copyright. All rights reserved.
 http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm
 ************************************************

WATTS, ROBERT F.
(27 Feb 1908, Thursday, Beckham County Democrat, Erick, Beckham Co, OK):
It is with much sadness and sorrow that we record the death of R. F.
Watts, who departed this life Sunday, the 23rd inst., at 7:30 o'clock p.m.
 Mr. Watts has been a sufferer for some weeks with a complication of
diseases.  He had been for two years engaged in the coal business in Erick
and was universally respected by the entire community and by all who knew
him; he was honest in his business dealings, social and jovial in
desposition (sic).  He was born in Smith country, Texas, March 6, 1851,
and was 57 years old lacking a few days at the time of his death.
He was a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows order at this place, and
was buried by the two orders under their burial rituals in Erick cemetery
on Monday 24.
Mr. Watts was a widower, his wife having died about 7 years ago.  He left
seven children, four boys and three girls, all married except the youngest
boy 12 years old.  All the family except the oldest daughter, who resides
in Texas, his brother J. S. Watts and wife were also present at his death
and burial.
(27 Feb 1908, Erick Altruist, Erick, Beckham Co, OK):
Died.  At the home of Judge S. T. Davis, Robert F. Watts, Sunday, 23,
about 7 p.m.  Funeral services Monday evening at the house under the
auspices of the Masonic and Odd Fellow Fraternities, to both of which
orders he belonged.  Interment in the Erick cemetery, Rev. J. F. Elder
conducting funeral services at the grave and made an address which was
condoling to Mr. Watts bereaved relatives.
Mr. Watts was about 57 years old, was well known and highly esteemed
throughout old Greer county, he having come here from Smith county, Texas,
about 12 years ago.
He had been in poor health for several months, and was a very great
sufferer continuously low about two months before death relieved him.  He
suffered from a complication of diseases induced by a severe case of
saccharrine diabetis.
Mr. Watts was engaged in the coal business here.  He was an agreeable
gentleman and his cordial warm hearted hand clasps will be greatly missed.
 He was a consistent member of the Baptist church and he is no doubt now
enjoying the peace that comes to those who die in a Christian's faith. 
Mr. Watts was a widower, and is survived by 5 children as follows:  Mrs.
Marcus Owings, of Reed, Okla.; Mrs. Samuel Vickery, of Broncho, Texas and
three sons, Howard, Porter and Joe, all of whom live in this immediate
vicinity.  All of his children save Mrs. Vickery, were present when death
came to Mr. Watts, as were also his brother, T. S. (sic) Watts, of Madge,
Okla., and his nephews James and Robt. Watts of Erick.
Very marked respect for Mr. Watts and his surviving loved ones was shown
by the business men of Erick, both banks being closed during the hours of
funeral services.  The Altruist condoles with those to whom Mr. Watts was
especially dear.
(15 Mar 1908, Thursday, Beckham County Democrat, Erick, Beckham Co, OK):
Hall of Erick Lodge I.O.O.F. No 215, Feb. 27, 1908.
Whereas, on the evening of Feb. 23, 1908, death entered our ranks and did
remove therefrom our beloved Brother, R. F. Watts, and again reminded us
of the frailty of man and the certainty of death.
Be it Therefore Resolved, That by the death of Bro. Watts our lodge looses
an honored and faithful charter member, his children that survive him a
loving father and the community at large a good citizen.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread on our minutes, a
copy presented to the family and a copy given to each of the Erick papers
for publication.
Resolved, That our charter be draped in mourning thirty days and each Bro.
wear the usual badge for a like period.
J. W. Riley
H. A. Gilbert
J. R. Elms.  Committee

---------------------------------------------------------
Return to Beckham County Archives:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ok/beckham/beckham.htm