Thomas Palmer Watts was born March 4, 1950, in Hobart, Oklahoma, to Thomas Gerald Watts and Mildred LaFern Funk Watts. He died Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in Owasso, Oklahoma, at the age of 74 years. Tom graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1968. He continued his education at Oklahoma State University. Tom married Mary Ann Harris, December 27, 1969, in Tulsa. He was a veteran of the armed forces having served his country honorably with the United States Navy. Tom began his professional career as a homebuilder in 1978 and later established American Heartland Building Company. He was joined by his son Matthew and together they had a respected legacy of quality homes in the Owasso and surrounding areas. Tom enjoyed a variety of pastimes including woodworking, mission trips and fly fishing. He was a strong man of faith and active at Battlecreek Church Owasso Campus. There he was involved with their community group, Hello Team and the Bunk Bed Ministry. Tom loved his friends and family. He was affectionately known as “Papa” to his grandkids.
He leaves behind
Wife: Mary, of the home
Children: Michelle Holden and husband Steven, of Edmond, Oklahoma
Angela Jarrard, of Tallahassee, Florida
Matthew T. Watts and wife Naomi, of Sperry, Oklahoma
Grandchildren: Hunter Holden, Troop Holden, Roman Holden, Tiana Johnson, Siera Jarrard,
Chloe’ Jarrard, and Damian Watts
Great grandchildren: Asher Watts, James Watts, and Brody Holden
Sister: Barbara Watts Moses of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Brother: Richard Watts and wife Joyce, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
And a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas G. and LaFern Watts, of Tulsa.
Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 20, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Owasso. Officiating ministers will be Rev. Richard V. Watts, Rev. Wes Holland, and Rev. Charley Westbrook. Honorary pall bearers: Hunter Holden, Troop Holden, Roman Holden, Damian Watts, Joshua Moses, and Samuel Moses.
For many years, Tom and Mary served the Lord in missions working with the church in San Felipe, Venezuela. Tom had a passion and truly loved working with people.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to:
First Fruits Ministry
303 W Fargo St.
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012
For the Central Baptist Church of San Felipe
Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso.
