Promoted to Glory: Major Donald P. Watts

Major Don Preston Watts was Promoted To Glory on Monday, September 5, 2002, at the age of 90. Appropriately, his earthly labors ended on Labor Day.

He was born April 5, 1932, to Hazel and John Watts, in Muldrow, Oklahoma. Upon graduation from high school, he attended several U.S. Navy technical schools and Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, Texas. He served for over seven years in the Navy during the Korean conflict. In fact, he was aboard the USS St. Paul when it fired the last salvo of that war. He also worked as a U.S. Navy recruiter in Oklahoma City.

In 1957 Don married Doreen Shuck. Together they raised three children. Their marriage lasted 44 years until her Promotion To Glory in 2001.

Don entered the training college in 1961 as a member of the Servants Of Christ Session. He spent his second year of training as a cadet-lieutenant, and was commissioned as a lieutenant with his session in 1963.

The Major's ministry as a Salvation Army Officer includes corps appointments in Seminole, Sand Springs, and Oklahoma City Citadel, Oklahoma—as well as Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) administrative appointments in Memphis, Tennessee; Fort Worth, Texas; St. Petersburg, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; and Miami, Florida. He later served at the ARC Command at Territorial Headquarters as assistant Men's Social Secretary. He retired from active service on June 1, 1997.

In 2003, Major Watts married Major Helen Sue Warnock. They made their home in Yukon, Oklahoma.

Major Watts is preceded in death by his parents; brother Johnny Watts; and his first wife, Doreen. He is survived by his wife, Major Helen Sue Warnock Watts; son, Glen (Susan) Watts; son, Guy (Delores) Watts; daughter, Lesa Watts Hill; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving Major Watts are his brother, Earl (Sue) Watts; sister, Janet Davis; and four nieces.

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with interment in Cottonwood Cemetery in Muldrow, Oklahoma.

—Major Frank Duracher