Obituary of Donald Eugene Watts
His Legacy… Donald Eugene Watts, born July 26, 1940 in Merced, CA. to Lawson and Lucille Watts, died November 13, 2017 surrounded by family at his home in Oroville. As a young man he attended schools in Merced, Planada and Le Grand, California. Don moved to Oroville in the fall of 1958, where he learned the trade of ceramic tile installation. He became a contractor in 1974, creating Custom Tile, where he and his two sons served the northern California area for more than 45 years. Most current independent ceramic tile contractors in the Butte County area received their start under the guidance of Don at Custom Tile. Don was a member of the Oroville Masonic Lodge, Ben Ali Shriners, Oroville Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Valley Contractor’s Exchange, and the Trinity Presbyterian Church. He also played shortstop on Oroville’s Town and Country softball team. He will be remembered as a generous and kind husband, father, and grandfather, as well as contributor to Oroville area youth organizations and school athletic programs. Don loved to laugh and tease anyone around him. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, but he was happiest when surrounded by a gathering of family and friends at his home. Anyone was welcome, and on several occasions he and Nadine hosted team dinners for his grandchildren’s high school and college athletic teams. Any member of the community that knew Don loved him. His passion for all children was unequaled. The respect he gave to hundreds of employees over his Custom Tile career is unmatched anywhere. He was a soft-spoken man that taught work ethic, kindness and generosity every day of his life.
His Family… He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Nadine; his children Russell (Susan) Watts, Dustin “Buddy” (Brenda) Watts, Chris (Debbie) Dysart and Sandy Dysart; 16 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
His Farewell Service… A Memorial Service will be held Monday, Nov. 20, 2017 at 10:30 AM at the Nazarene Church, 2238 Monte Vista Ave. Oroville with a Pot Luck Reception to follow at the Oroville Eagles Hall on Montgomey Street. Arrangements are entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home 530-534-3877.
