Bobbie Watts

WATTS, Lieutenant Colonel Bobbie M, (US Army, Retired) Age 86 of Goodyear, Arizona passed away Sunday, February 15, 2015 at West Valley Hospital. Born October 26, 1928 in Walker, Louisiana, Bobbie graduated from Louisiana State University with a Master’s Degree in Education at the age of 21 and became a High School Science teacher in Albany, Louisiana until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951. His military career lasted 25 years, during which time he received the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Viet Nam Service Medal. Throughout his career, he served as a Cold War Electronic Intercept Officer, Missile Battalion Commander and a Research and Development Specialist U.S. Army Missile Programs. In addition to the Master’s Degree from LSU, Bobbie also earned a M.S. Military Science Degree in 1967 from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College along with a M.S. Systems Management from the University of Southern California; 1976. Upon retiring from the U.S. Army in 1976, Bobbie was employed as a Defense Systems Consultant in Arlington, VA. In 1979, he became the Marketing Manager for General Dynamics Corp. in Pomona CA until he was hired as a Strategic Planner for Emmerson Electric Co. from 1981-1992. Before retiring completely and relocating to Goodyear, AZ in 2002, Bobbie served as a Private Consultant; Defense Programs: Arlington VA for nine years. Bobbie was a devoted husband, incredible father, grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin, Army Officer, intellectual (balanced with wit), mentor, life advisor, active Republican, patriot, champion gumbo chef, LSU #1 Tiger Alumni and a loving friend to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Anne Watts; sister, Donna Watts Tassin, daughters; Daphne Watts Misenheimer (Chuck) and Gwen Watts Shank; son, Christopher Watts (Susan) and stepdaughter; Paige Engelson. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February, 28, 2015 at 1:30 pm at St. Peters Episcopal Church 400 Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, AZ.