As a kid growing up on Briarwood Ln, I always thought of Mr.Watts as a big, kind snuggly bear. And he was smart and could fix things and never got too mad at us! Much love to you Mr. Watts, thanks for adding smiles to my childhood. ❤️

About 21 yrs ago, when I joined the faculty of social work at UTA the first person to welcome me whole heartedly was Tom Watts. That relationship occurred and reoccurred every time I stepped into his office for the next twenty years or so until he retired. After he retired we wrote each other hand written letters. I was to reply his last letter received a month ago.  He was a scholar with an excellent publication record in the field of social welfare. His book on world of social welfare, and international social work education, still remain the 'go to book' for many a students on international social welfare and social work education. I send my deepest sympathies, prayers to Illene and the rest in his family. 

Tom was a great colleague and true friend.  I will miss his gentleness and his perceptive intuitive views on every issue.  Always there when we needed you, Tom, we’ll never forget you!

From Joe and Judy Bastien

My family and I were fortunate enough to spend a wonderful time in company of Thomas and Ilene in a retreat organized by SSW at the  Canyon of the Eagles.  They were very special and caring with us. I will remember Dr. Thomas Watts with respect and admiración for the outstanding example he left as family man, professor and friend. The Zornosa family will keep in our prayers the soul of Thomas Watts.  

Professor Tom Watts stands out among scholars in academia. I knew him personally. Half of the world knows me through his Foreword in one of my best-sellers. We shared common values about life, literature, and philosophy.  I owe the epitaph -- "Social Work's Sartre"--to him.  We both suffered indignities at the hands of careerists whom we had empowered as mentors. 
I have seldom found a professor in my profession who is so empathetic, brilliant, and constructive. He owed nothing to me; the reverse is not true, however. When I wanted to leave Louisiana, he generously wrote letters of reference with the strongest recommendations. I can go on..... I feel UTA has lost one of their best. My condolences and sincerest sympathies to Tom's family, friends, and colleagues. May he rest in eternal peace: He has departed from this mundane climate to a higher and nobler place. 
Brij Mohan
April 17, 202

Re My dear friend Tom

Our friendship goes back 25 years when he welcomed me, a scared and intimidated new faculty member. Our links were tied together by his kind patience to me, his deep knowledge of Canada and his understanding of their social policy, our interest in  Michigan and the St. Clair river, and our desire for just and fair working conditions.  He could argue his points with clarity in faculty meetings and I always appreciated his logic and calm demeanor. 
Tom loved Ilene, Tom loved his daughters and Tom loved his grandchildren.  I know that and was no stranger to the happiness with the birth of each new family member.
Tom loved teaching at the School of Social Work- he was extraordinarily student friendly, always taking time with each one. 
Tom was a giant scholar in the field of social work. He had a special bond with Drs. Mayadas and Elliott; they published together  having an important and lasting Impact on our profession. 
On to the next project our friend Dear Tom-
Delphine/Peter Lehmann
Euless, TX


Tom was a kind sole with a very curious mind.  I always enjoyed talking to Tom about religion, recycling, and politics.  He cherished his years being taught by Benediction monks in Oklahoma.  If reincarnation is human destiny, Tom will come back as a Benedictine monk.  He was always pressuring the School of Social Work to recycle more.  When we initially were issued recycle bins in faculty offices and classrooms, the janitors refused the extra task of emptying them. So, Tom would go to classrooms and empty them.  He set an example for all of us in many ways.

Sending my deepest sympathies to the family and friends.  Tom was a dear colleague at the School of Social Work where he warmly mentored me from 1992 until his retirement.  Faultlessly kind, giving of his time, we discussed social policy, domestic and international, and the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team at length.
His steadiness as an administrator, his intelligence as a wise colleague, and his desire to put forth his best to all are guideposts for we who were lucky enough to work with and know him.
Rick Hoefer



I am so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. My memories of him are that he was a gentle soul, full of knowledge, wisdom and curiosity. My favorite memory was when I spent a night at Tom & Ilene's home in 2008 and we talked at length about family history. God bless him with blissful eternal life. Prayers and sympathy to Ilene and your family.

OBITUARY

Thomas Dale Watts

September 19, 1941 – April 14, 2021

Calvary Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery

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