Harry K. Watts
March 09, 2011
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Service Details
Harry K. Watts, 82, passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at Methodist West Hospital in West Des Moines. Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with visitation on Sunday evening from 4 to 6 p.m. and the funeral services on Monday, March 14, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at McDivitt Grove Cemetery in Urbandale.
Harry was born March 19, 1928 to Kenneth and Faye Watts in Des Moines. He graduated from North High School in 1946. He served in the U.S. Army in Leyte and Korea, and graduated from Cumming School of Art. He went on to become a graphic artist and art director working for Look Magazine, Bankers Life (now Principal) among other advertising/graphic arts firms.
He enjoyed traveling, fishing, dancing and his beloved St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. He cherished being with family and friends. He was an avid member of the Art Directors Association of Iowa (ADAI) having served in many capacities over a 50 year time span. He was also Chairman of the Commercial Art Advisory Committee at DMACC for many years.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Beverly; daughters, Linda Dodd Sammons (Gayle) of Creston, Iowa and Jeri Watts of Indianapolis, Indiana; stepson, Greg Cushing (Brenda) and their children, Eric and Megan of West Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren, Sherry Pogranichniy (Roman) and their children, Nicholas and Sophia of West Lafayette, Indiana, Dean Sammons (Renee) and their children Branden and Brooklyn of Orient, Iowa; sister, Fern Horn; brother, Kenneth Watts of Des Moines; sister-in-law, Laurene Kincade of Tiffin, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the ADAI Scholarship Fund. See www.artdirectorsiowa.org for instructions. On-line condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Deborah Humphrey
03/15/2011
Bev,
I'm so sorry to hear of Harry's passing. He was a sweet heart to everyone not to mention Kit & Kaboodle.
Warm regards,
Deborah
Pat Seifert
03/14/2011
Dear Bev and Family,
I moved away from Iowa four years ago. I was saddened to hear of Harry's passing. Harry was instrumental in my continued membership with the Art Directors Association of Iowa and serving as treasurer for the Scholarship Fund until I moved to Arizona.
It was a pleasure to know, work and learn from Harry. What a stellar example he set for dedication and commitment to an organization!
Harry's work is not done because his legacy and influence will live on in the lives of the many people he has touched and mentored. He may have left this world, but will never leave our hearts.
With my sincere sympathy, Pat Seifert
Jerry and Marilynn Wadden
03/13/2011
Bev and Family,
Jerry and I are so sorry for your loss. We thought of Harry as creative, fun loving, bright, and kind hearted. As we read other condolence messages, we realize that those who knew him much better than we did have great respect for his talents and willingness to help others. You'll be in our prayers as you work through your grief.
Jason & Brandy McArtor
03/11/2011
Bev,
We were saddened to hear the news of Harry yesterday.
I first met Harry fresh out of high school, a farm kid with hopes of some day becoming a graphic designer in the big city. Through my time at DMACC and starting out as a young professional, Harry was one of the leaders who mentored all these kids from various communities throughout the state, or as I remember him saying "the best drawer from their little town somewhere in Iowa"the computer was just evolving into a tool that could be used for art, at that time. My first full-time design job stemmed from my relationship with Harry and I am thankful to him for that.
Harry was great and getting people involved, both at the college and with "The Club" (thanks for reminding me of that Barb). His impact on both the DMACC and ADAI community and the people he touched, in general, will not be forgotten.
Thoughts and prayers,
Jason & Brandy McArtor
Dee & Lee Johnson
03/10/2011
Bev,
We are so sorry to hear of Harry's passing. He was so much more than just a good friend and colleague to us. Words can not describe the impact he made on so many Graphic Designers in the Iowa Design Community.
He will always have a special place in our hearts and we are missing him terribly but will never forget him. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
Presently we are 1300 miles from Iowa but hope to return next week to share our condolences in person.
With Love! Dee & Lee Johnson
Randy Messer
03/10/2011
Dear Bev,
I am so sorry to hear this news about Harry. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed visiting with the two of you at the Living History Farms luncheon several months ago.
Harry was the lifeblood of ADAI and his contributions to the design community will never be matched. Many young design folks owe a great deal to this organization and the opportunities for scholarships, the monthly meetings, being able to network with other design professionals, and just being able to learn about this crazy business.
I remember Harry reviewing my portfolio when I was a student and telling me I could work in this business.
It was also wonderful to serve along with Harry as an officer for ADAI. Those are memories I will never forget. Harry even said I was close to earning my "mossback" status.
It was also a lot of fun to share outdoor stories with Harry over the years.
Please accept me deepest condolences and prayers during this time of great loss.
All my best,
Randy Messer
Barb Gordon
03/10/2011
Dear Bev and Harry's family:
Harry was a mentor to many in the graphic design and advertising community. He was widely admired in the Art Directors Association of Iowa organization. His unmatched generosity and attention to the ADAI Scholarship Fund will not be forgotten.
I don't think Harry ever ended a conversation with me without telling me how much he appreciated my work for ADAI. I knew he meant it.
Of course, no one has given, or will give, as much to ADAI as Harry. And he had fun doing it. He never quit until he was physically unable to continue as the executive director. He was also very serious about ADAI's commitment to fostering young talent.
"The club," as Harry called ADAI, has been around for over 50 years mostly due to Harry's commitment. A phone call from Harry meant you were going to do something for ADAI. And in the end, you learned from the assignment and had fun doing it.
Personally, I owe a lot to Harry. I feel privileged to have known him as a professional and a friend.
Barb Gordon
Rick Swalwell
03/09/2011
Bev
So sorry to hear about Harry.
You certainly are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hope to see you at the service.
And don't hesitate to call if you ever need anything.
You have a big Medicap family who loves you.
Rick