Robert Jackson Watts

On July 26, 2018 Elder Robert Jackson Watts was transferred from the Australia Brisbane Mission to the other side of the veil to continue his missionary service.  He patiently endured several weeks in the hospital in Brisbane before succumbing to an infection at the age of 76.  Bob was born on Friday, March 13, 1942 in Logan, Utah the 2nd of 3 children born to Ferry J and Norma Watts.  He was raised in Smithfield, Utah where he attended elementary and junior high, graduating from North Cache High School in Richmond.  He fulfilled a mission to the Central States serving mainly in Arkansas and Oklahoma loving the people he met as he taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Following graduation from Utah State University he was employed by the Boy Scouts of America in Pocatello, ID, Havre, MT and at the Great Salt Lake Council where he retired after 39 years.  During that time he trained hundreds of leaders and touched the lives of thousands of boys who attended scout camps.  He was a wonderful example of selfless service as he directed scout camps so boys could experience the outdoors and learn life lessons.  He treasured the friendships with the volunteers who served in their callings as leaders of young men.  He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, boating, off-roading, golfing, RVing, cruises, and road trips with family and friends.  
Bob served in many callings in the LDS Church and was a faithful home teacher.  His latest calling was an 18-month mission to the Australia Brisbane Mission where he served for 14 months before being called to his heavenly home.  The young missionaries loved Elder Watts and he loved them as if they were his own grandchildren.  He loved his children and grandchildren unconditionally, and he will be missed by many people who had the opportunity to know and love him. Bob married Helen Anne Elwood on June 11, 1965 and they are the parents of 4 children, Whitney, Brannon, Stefanie, and Tyler.  They were later divorced.  He married Elaine Peart Smith on September 8, 1973 in Smithfield, Utah and with that marriage he gained 3 more children, Sally, Suzanne, and Darren.
Surviving are his wife, Elaine and children Sally (Todd) Erickson, North Salt Lake, UT; Suzanne (Richard) Swanson, Farmington, UT; Whitney (Lynn) Hodge, Reno, NV; Brannon (Sayhe) Watts, Georgetown, TX; Darren (Jo) Smith, Orem, UT; Stefanie (Art) Thomas, Clinton, UT; Tyler (Suzanna) Watts, Kaysville, UT; 22 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren with one on the way.  He is also survived by his sisters LeiMomi Gardiner and Marcia (William) AhMu.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Errol Gardiner.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Farmington Rock Church, 272 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah. Viewings will be held Friday, August 17 at Russon Mortuary, 1941 North Main St., Farmington from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, August 18 at the Rock Church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.  Graveside services and burial will take place at the Richmond City Cemetery on August 18 at 4 p.m.  In lieu of flowers please donate to the LDS General Missionary Fund.