Jerry Watters
September 04, 2020
Jerry Leroy Watters, age 77, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home on Friday, September 4, 2020.
Jerry was born August 26, 1943 in Des Moines, Iowa to Charles and Lucille (Glenn) Watters. He was one of three siblings. Jerry was a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area and a proud graduate of East High School. Jerry married Joyce Davis on September 26, 1964 at St. John’s Catholic Church and to this union, two sons were born – Todd and Thad.
Jerry was the owner of Watters Autoland in Indianola for 45 years. He enjoyed watching racing – everything from BMX, Motocross, 3-Wheelers, late models, and anything with wheels and a motor. Every Thursday the East High graduates played golf at the Grandview Golf Course and in the winters, they ate lunches at the Latin King. He played poker with the 1962 EHS grads monthly.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Charles; mother, Lucille; brother, Phil “Butch”; and his niece, Tammy Mason. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; sons, Todd (Lori) and Thad (Rachelle); sister, Sharon Swartzbaugh; grandchildren, Dylan, Jake, Lauren, and Zach; and his niece and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2020 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road, Des Moines. Cremation will follow the services.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church or the East High Alumni Foundation.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Holly Rice
11/18/2022
Joyce, Todd and Thad,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Jerry was such a great guy and he will be missed. I would have liked to have gone to his service but I didn't know he had passed.
I sent a message to Thad but he never replied.
Again I am so sorry 😞
Kenneth & Linda Schultheis
09/14/2020
Dear Joyce, Todd, Thad and families.
We wish you peace, love and treasured memories you shared with Jerry.
Our sincere sympathy and prayers,
Ken and Linda Schultheis
Brad and Pam Palmer
09/11/2020
Thoughts and prayers to all of you. We both enjoyed working with you all and Jerry through the years.
Steven Sallman
09/11/2020
Joyce, Todd, Thad and families, I am heartbroken to hear about Jerry. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I can only imagine the reunion hes having at his real home with the Lord, family and friends! I was blessed to live next the dealership and grow up with all of you. I remember Jerry asking me as a young kid to bring my dads Wheelhorse garden tractor over to mow the lots lawn. He handed me a $20 bill and thats where it all began. Working at the dealership was a wonderful experience. More importantly, working for Jerry (and Charlie) taught me lots about how to work with people, take pride in your work and provide a professional service to the public. The dealership was always first class and so was Jerry. I will never forget Jerry asking me to detail a white convertible Buick Riviera and fill it with gas. After completing the work, I parked the car next to Jerrys office. When I placed the keys on his desk, he grabbed them, stood up and gazed at that shining car through his office window. Then, he threw the keys back at me I thought I messed something up! To my surprise, he happily told me to take it for the weekend and have a great prom! Additionally, he added I should bring it back on empty or hed be pissed! I enjoyed the times we had at the dealership and your home on Park Avenue. Im so thankful for the times we shared and being together at the races. Jerry had a big heart and he never let being a businessperson get in the way of it. Some people would not have had safe cars to drive because of their personal circumstances, but Jerry took care of their needs regardless. It was always about the people with him. Im grateful for my fond memories of the Watters family and Ill never forget them. Do you think Jerry will have a Docs Journal in Heaven? Will Charlie be sharing some frog story with him again? I wish I could have attended the services, please know I am with you in spirit. A contribution has been made in Jerrys memory at the East High Alumni Foundation. I will continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Green
09/11/2020
Joyce, I didn't know Jerry but knowing you, I'm sure you picked a great guy. I am so sorry for your loss and that you have sadly joined me in widowhood. Do find comfort in your memories.
Tom and Bobbi Yaw
09/10/2020
Todd,Thad and families:
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your father . He was a great guy and will be missed by all . Our hearts and prayers go out to you all ????????????
Mary & Clare McIntosh
09/10/2020
Dear Joyce and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss of your beloved husband and father. Jerry was a very good man, who was loved and admired by many.
With our love,
Mary and Clare
McIntosh
Laura Jacobsen
09/09/2020
Joyce, I am sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you and praying for peace and understanding for you and your family. You have always been such a beautifully lively person. I am sure you made a wonderful life together. Many blessings - Laura
Jim and Nancy Merhar
09/09/2020
Dear Joyce and Family, Our hearts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time. Jerry will be missed by so many. He was a special guy. Prayers for strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead. Love and hugs, Jim and Nancy
Starr Josten
09/09/2020
Joyce, Todd, Thad and families, my heart goes out to you. Jerry was always one of the good guys. His smile and laugh would light up a room. He will be missed but good memories of him will linger on.
Love, Starr
Karen Stewart
09/09/2020
Joyce, my thoughts are with you...and know you shared many wonderful memories with Jerry. Many prayers coming your way ??
Dave Paulsen & Daphne Christensen
09/09/2020
Joyce and family, our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We have such a special place in our hearts (and our home!) for you both.
Sue hall
09/09/2020
Joyce and family,
I was so sad to hear of Jerry's passing. Always enjoyed visiting with him at Park Avenue Dry Cleaners and Visual Impact. He was a great man and always had a story to tell
Sincerely,
Sue (Whisler) Hall
Tim Powell
09/09/2020
Haircut, so many memories with you when I was young and many good times I still talk about to this day and always will. You will be missed, Prayers and thoughts to the entire family.
GREGG
09/08/2020
HAIRCUT YOU ARE GOING TO BE MISSED BY SOOOOO MANY PEOPLE! YOU WERE A SECOND FATHER TO ME. HAVE FUN WITH WOLFMAN! LOVE YOU !