Obituary of Glenn Leo Watts

Glenn Leo Watts, 84, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2015 at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX after a courageous fifteen month fight. Glenn was born February 14, 1931 in Guthrie Center, Iowa. On that same day, God blessed those that Glenn touched along his great journey with 84 years of love and stewardship. Glenn was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jule Marlene Watts ("Marlene"), of 57 years on October 6, 2012 and earlier by his parents of faith and Survivors of the Great Depression, Arthur and Mildred Watts. Growing up on a farm in Iowa, Glenn learned the value of hard work, duty and honor that permeated his life. After graduation from Guthrie Center High School in 1948, Glenn proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After returning home, Glenn bought a 57 Chevy and soon graduated from telegrapher school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On July 23, 1955, Glenn married Marlene in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with whom he raised five children on their farm in Iowa while he simultaneously worked for the Chicago,Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad as a telegrapher/train dispatcher. After 34 years with the Rock Island, Glenn joined the Union Pacific Railroad in 1981 where he worked for an additional 10 years as a dispatcher in Spring, Texas and Omaha, Nebraska. Glenn retired from railroading in 1992 and began working full time in his woodworking shop. Glenn is survived by his three adoring sisters, Marie Raygor, Marianne Vandevanter, and Adele Morgan. He is also survived by his devoted daughter, Diane M. Mangan and his four sons, Patrick L. Watts, Michael G. Watts, David K. Watts, and Joseph K. Watts. In addition, Glenn had 15 surviving grandchildren: Michelle Matzen, Robert Mangan, Jennifer Faulkner, Benjamin Watts, Jessica Corte, Russell Watts, Lorin Outlaw, Nickolas Watts, Patrick Watts, Jule Becker, Alexandria M. Watts, Michaela Watts, Rachel K. Watts, Katie Watts, and Katarina Vogel. Glenn was blessed with 28 surviving great-grandchildren: Makenzie Smith, Zachery Matzen, Kayla Woodard, Connor Smith, Jonathan Matzen, Megan Matzen, Christopher Corte, Sara Faulkner, Jacob Corte, Brandon Vasquez, Isabella Vasquez, Carson Corte, Caleb Kizer, Angelin Corte, Julianna Corte, Adam Outlaw, Hannah Mangan, Bailee Coward, Elizabeth Faulkner, Julie Watts, Alison Watts, Emma Watts, Truly Outlaw, Adam "AJ" Faulkner, Alison Watts, Emma Watts, Coleman Overstreet; and Aiden Smith. As a man of few words, Glenn led by example through living his faith. His wisdom and generosity were only matched by his integrity. When any of his family or friends were down, Glenn was always there, no matter what the cost, and never expected anything in return. He had an amazing ability to find solutions, the courage to make tough decisions and the character to live with the consequences. Of the numerous examples Glenn set, his marriage to Marlene stood above all. No matter what the trials and tribulations that challenged them throughout their life together, Marlene and Glenn never gave up on God, each other or their family. Their 57 year marriage stands as a testament to their faith and firm belief in the sanctity of marriage. Glenn's 24/7 vigil for Marlene before her death and his fifteen month fight in the end personified his strength and determination and stands for all that knew him as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2015 at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, 9009 Sienna Ranch Road, Missouri City, TX. At 5:30 p.m., his Granddaughter Jennifer Faulkner will host a wake in his honor at her home in Sugar Land, TX. On Friday, June 5, 2015, St. Angela Merici Catholic Church will conduct a funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at the Houston National Cemetery located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX. In lieu of flowers, Glenn asked that a donation in his name be made to St. Angela Merici Catholic Church Building Fund, 64210 Sienna Parkway, Suite 300, Missouri City, TX 77451.