Howard Wesley Watts Jr., was born to Annie (Thomas) and Howard Watts, on July 31st, 1921, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.
Howard attended the Lawrence School for his early education. The Lawrence School was the first school in his area and was founded by his grandfather, William Thomas. His grandfather was one of the trustees for the school. Howard's grandmother, Lucy (Vond) Thomas was the first teacher. The commerative addition of the Lawrence School's history lists Howard's achievements academically and in sports. In 1937 Creek County sport contests Howard won the 100 yard dash and was part of the winning 440 yard relay.
From his birth until his teen years, Howard spent his time on the family owned farm. As a child he performed small tasks, but as he grew older he took on more responsibilities, such as caring for the cattle, horses and assisting with the crops. He enjoyed horse riding, hunting, and swimming in the local creek.
With his father's death in 1937, and with his brother's now living out of state and due to a prolong drought Howard, his mother and sister moved briefly to California and Nevada. They eventually returned to Oklahoma, but Howard joined the Civilian Conservation Corps., established by President Franklin Roosevelt. He was trained at the Civilian Conservation Camp and worked on building roads in the western United States.
With the beginning of World War II, Howard joined the United States Army. He was in the Quartermaster Division and his specialty was listed as a Rifleman. His unit was sent to Europe and he participated in the Battle of the Bulge, also in Rhineland, Central Europe, and Northern France. He received a letter of Commendation from the Adjutant General.
In his last months in the Army he was stationed at Miles Standish Army Reservation in Massachusetts. It was in Boston, at a local church that he was introduced to Mildred Thompson. After leaving the Army he brought Mildred to Oklahoma and they married in June of 1945. They had two children, Howard Wesley Watts III and Gloria Watts.
Howard eventually settled in Boston. He worked for the B & M Railroad part time and his principal job was an exterminator for Astor Exterminating Company that later became Terminex. He worked for Terminex as their most experienced employee until his retirement.
Howard loved dogs, and horse racing, playing the lottery, going to fairs and traveling. Howard enjoyed gardening with his partner and soul mate Julia Schleer. They maintained a vegetable garden and fruit trees at their home in Medford. Howard lived a comfortable life with Julia and her family for many years.
Howard passed away on Wednesday, October 10th, 2018.
Howard was the loving soul mate of Julia Schleer. The loving father of Howard W. Watts, III., Gloria A. Watts, John Schleer and his wife Carolyn, Gregory Schleer Jr., and Julianna Schleer. Loving grandfather of John Jr., and his wife Emilie, Derek, Christopher and Gregory III. The dear brother of the late Reginald, Clement, Alfred, Thelma Watts and Geneva Vann Watts. Howard is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
By request of the family all services are private.