David Chief' Watts

David Watts was born in Santa Rita, New Mexico on March 2, 1925 to Dr. Randolph Edwin Watts and Amber Simpson Garrett Watts. He attended grade school and High School in Silver City, New Mexico. Dave served honorably in the US Navy in San Diego, Kansas, Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, and aboard the USS Sperry World War II submarine tender in the Pacific. He also worked as a senior diamond driller with the US bureau of mines in the Silver City area. Dave began his career in Fire Service in 1949 at Ft. Bayard Veterans Hospital, where he served as Fire Chief from 1949 to 1953. He was Assistant Fire Chief in Silver City, NM in 1953. From 1965 to 1982 he served as Dona Ana County Fire Marshall. He started nine new volunteer county fire departments. He was responsible for 64 Volunteer District Officers and 209 Volunteer Fire Fighters, thus acquiring the fond nickname of "Chief". Dave could be found at enchilada dinners, making speeches, meeting with volunteers, fighting fires day or night, all the while pursuing his much-loved career at White Sands Missile Range. On September 18, 1951 Dave met and married Irene Hogan in Silver City. Irene was Senior Dietician at Ft. Bayard, NM where Dave was serving as Fire Chief. In 1953 they moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma where Dave attended Oklahoma State University School of Fire Protection & Safety. While he went to school, Dave was a volunteer fireman for the Stillwater Fire Department. In 1955 Dave was employed by the U.S. Army in the Safety Office at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona. In 1957 he accepted a position with the Safety Office at White Sands Proving Ground (later to become White Sands Missile Range). While at WSMR, Dave received many letters of appreciation from missile battalions and unit commanders from all branches of the service, as well as foreign countries. He conducted missile firings in over-land firing sites from New Mexico, Utah and Texas, overseeing safety during the development of many of the missiles such as the Nike, Pershing, Little John, Scud and Patriot. He retired in 1987 after thirty years and was considered a Missile Range Pioneer. Dave received numerous awards and certificates during his career, among which are awards from the Southwestern Fireman's Association for serving as president in 1972, and for outstanding service to the Southwestern Fireman's Association in his position as Dona Ana County Fire Marshall. Dave was President of the New Mexico State Fireman's Association, 1972. He was also considered a pioneer in the State of New Mexico Fire Service as well as in the Southwestern Fireman's Association and Dona Ana County fire service. He was a lifetime member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Dave was a member of the International Elks Clubs, VFW Post #10124, and Toastmasters. After retirement, Dave and Irene bought an RV and joined the International Good Sam's RV Club and were later inducted into the State of New Mexico Good Sam Hall of Fame with the highest honor of the "Golden Halo" award. They both served as Assistant State Directors Southwest Division from 1993-1994. He served as president of Mesilla Valley Sam's on two occasions. Dave and Irene spent many happy years with Good Sam's, traveling and meeting with good friends. Dave loved the "Dogs for the Deaf" program, which is supported by Good Sam's Club. He helped to raise thousands of dollars for their program through yard sales, donations, and raffle tickets, and was not above standing in front of Wal-Mart in the cold and rain selling them. Dave enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and car racing. He was a devoted husband and a loving caregiver to his wife Irene. In November 2004 he received a care-giving award from the city of Las Cruces in honor of the many years he cared for her. Dave is survived by his daughter, Gennie Watts Smith (and husband Michael) of Oregon, and son, Calvin Watts of California; his three grandchildren, Moriah Barton of Canon City, Colorado; and Calvin E. and Brandon J. Watts, both of Las Cruces; and one sister, June Watts, of Chico, California. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Irene. Dave was a dedicated father and grandfather. Very active in the lives of his children and grandchildren, Dave was a regular at his grandsons' sports functions and his granddaughter's school programs. He operated the Watts Taxi Service, and was Chief Cook and Bottle Washer for his family. Friend to many, Dave never met a stranger. He never hesitated to help someone. Dave served his City, State, and Country with honor. We salute you Chief, and say Thanks, Hasta La Vista. Go with God. A Memorial Service to celebrate David's life will be at 2:00 PM on Monday Jan. 22, 2007 at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Rev. Jeanne Lutz officiating. The US Navy and the Dona Ana County Fire Department will provide military honors. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Volunteer Fire Department of your choice, or Dogs for the Deaf. PDF Printable Version