Donald E. Watts, 73, of Albia, died Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Oakwood Specialty Care Center in Albia while under the care of Every Step Hospice. He was born January 14, 1953, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of Ronald “Bob” J. and Jeralee Fite Watts. He graduated from Ottumwa High School with the class of 1971, following high school he furthered his education at the University of South Dakota in Sioux Falls. He was united in marriage to Alma Lundstrum, to this union two daughters were born Melinda and Melissa. Don and Alma later divorced. Don started out working at Elliot Oil and The Sportsman in Ottumwa, he later went to Douds Stone. He had a strong entrepreneurial spirit which led him to own and operate Ottumwa City Cab for many years along with M & M Military Surplus in Ottumwa. After many years in the cab and military surplus businesses he went to work at Coca-Cola in Ottumwa. Last he worked at Twin City Liquor in Council Bluffs until ill health forced his retirement. In 1996, he was united in marriage to Jennie Ricard. In 2003, Don and Jennie moved to Florida, and he worked as a handyman and did light landscaping work. Don was an outdoorsman; he loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed his time on the beach in Florida. He was heavily involved in both little league and Babe Ruth baseball as a coach and umpire for many years. He loved to cheer for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Most of all he loved cheering for his children and grandchildren in their events.
His family includes his two daughters, Melinda (Larry) Anderson of Albia and Melissa Watts of Bondurant; four grandchildren, Carter Anderson, Makenna Anderson, Nolan Anderson, and Braxton Watts; his mother, Jeralee Watts of North Port, Florida; two step daughters, Brenda (Ken) Vest-DeBeul and Dustie (Rick) Kinman all of Ottumwa; two stepsons, Erin (Lynn) Ricard of Florida and Justin Ricard of Blakesburg; many step grandchildren and great grandchildren; a sister, Pamela Joint of North Port, Florida; two brothers, Gary (Debbie) Watts of Ottumwa and Steve (Jana) Watts of Oskaloosa; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, an uncle, and cousins.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Jennie Watts; his father, Ronald “Bob” Watts; a stepson, Brad Vest; a step grandson, Aaron Fisher; and a step great granddaughter, Kenlie Burns; and a brother in law, Ron Joint.
As was Don’s wish his body has been cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Watts family and will be used for a garden area at Oakwood Specialty Care in Albia.
