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.
Anne & Dave Noah
09/08/2020
Joyce and family we were so sad to hear of Jerrys death. I was always happy to see him ushering at St Anthonys. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Sending hugs.
Dave & Linda Chongo
09/08/2020
Dear Joyce & Family,
Our hearts and sympathy are with you at this time. Jerry was such a kind, caring and compassionate man. He truly will be missed. I will remember the golf, meals, special events and fun the rest of my life.
Sincerely,
Dave & Linda Chongo
Marilyn Arnold, Grace Connell, Linda Miles Larry W
09/08/2020
Joyce, Todd, Thad and families. Our family is very saddened to hear about Jerry. Some of our family were school mates and some were golfing mates with Jerry. My Mom Grace was a great admirer of Jerry. He would bring her a large poinsetta to her every Christmas. Jerry was one of the good ones, always thoughtful, considerate, and full of smiles and joy. He and Larry Waychoff can now play golf together in heaven. Our family and so many people will miss Jerry. May you and all of your family find peace.
SHEILA RAYBURN
09/08/2020
Joyce, I was saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you comfort through fond memories!
Ron German
09/07/2020
Jerry was a caring, giving man. His memory will be cherished by many, revered on the Eastside and held close to my heart. May God comfort Joyce, Todd, Thad and the family.
David Whatling
09/07/2020
I had the privilege of working for Jerry at Watters Autoland for six and half years as a technician. I enjoyed those years and have many good memories of that time. My condolences to the family.
Robert and Pam Harter
09/07/2020
Our deepest sympathy to Joyce and the family. Jerry is a class act and never acted better than you. He will be missed
Linda Murphy
09/07/2020
Joyce, I am so sorry to hear this news. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care!
Betty Huffman
09/07/2020
Joyce, please know I'm holding you and family in my heart. Please share my heartfelt condolences with your sons Todd and Thad. I had such a nice conversation with Jerry at the EHS Alumni reception during our 50th reunion. EHS shared memories, the best.
Ron And Cheryl Reichenbacker
09/07/2020
Dear Joyce and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about Jerry. You are all in our thought and prayers in the days ahead.
We always had such great times whenever we were together, it's hard loosing our lifelong friends, but my memories from "back in the day" with Jerry and you will keep me smiling...he may be gone but certainly never forgotten.
With our deepest sympathy,
Ron and Cheryl Reichenbacker
Barbara Herman Puetz
09/07/2020
Dear Joyce and family, so sorry for your loss. Sincerely Barbara Puetz East High class of 1964
Ron and Sherry Palmer
09/07/2020
We are thinking of you, Joyce, on the loss of this amazing man. Wishing you peace and comfort,
and a lifetime of wonderful memories.
Ron and Sherry
Steven Bell
09/06/2020
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Joyce. I will always remember Jerry as a true Eastsider and a stand-up guy. Im praying for you during this difficult time...????
Earl Williams & Kay Dell
09/06/2020
We are so sorry. What a Nice Man your father was. Thank you for sharing him with us. Prayers to your family.
Kay & Earl
Ray and Judi Smith
09/06/2020
Dear Joyce, Todd , Thad and family. We are so sorry for your loss and the void that has been created. Fortunately, you have each other and your many friends to fill that void with many loving and fond memories.