Thomas James Watters, Sr. passed peacefully on September 29, 2023, at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Irving, Texas with his loving family by his side. Tom was born to James (Jim) Percival and Alice Marie (Cloutier) Watters on June 8, 1942, in Somerset, Wisconsin. Tom graduated from Somerset High School in 1960. As president of his senior class and co-captain of the football team his leadership abilities became apparent. These qualities continued to guide him throughout the rest of his life. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina with the Airborne Special Forces Group. He earned the rank of Sergeant within three short years. He then returned home to marry the love of his life and high school sweetheart, June Bentley on December 23, 1961. Once honorably discharged from the Army, he and his bride, June, returned to Wisconsin with their first-born child, Brenda. Soon they welcomed daughter Michelle and son Tommy. Tom decided to move his family to Texas to find opportunities in the Lone Star State. Once settled in Texas, they welcomed their daughter Tammy. A few years later, Toms brother, Chuck, moved south which completed the original Texas Watters family. Tom chose the Recreational Vehicle Industry to spend his professional life in. He was a RV dealer and manufacturer. 35 years ago, he made a pivot within the RV industry focusing on the insurance space. Having the distinct advantage of knowledge from his retail and manufacturing experiences helped boost Tom to among the most respected in the commercial RV insurance market. He was literally the "Go to Guy". He enjoyed his work life so much that he never officially retired. Tom was among the founding members of the Texas Recreational Vehicle Association, TRVA, which is the trade association for the RV Industry in Texas. He was a fierce defender of every aspect of the RV industry including dealers, manufacturers, lenders, parts/service and insurance. Tom earned every award ever presented to an RV industry individual in Texas. Suffice it to say, he achieved the highest level for a career. Tom was the proud owner of TWS Insurance Brokers. Busy was Tom! In fact, to truly write an adequate summary of his extraordinary life, it would take a book. Tom enjoyed many hobbies including coaching youth sports, boating, RVing/camping, traveling, cooking, entertaining, watching Dallas Cowboy games, attending Nascar races and several family beach trips. He loved gatherings that involved all kinds of fellowship and conversations as deep as one would want. Being a devout Catholic, the highlight of each day was attending morning mass at St. Luke Catholic Church. Tom was also involved in The Knights of Columbus, serving at the local, district and state levels. While he achieved every degree for the Order, his favorite was always Fourth Degree which exemplifies Patriotism. Tom was also a member of the US Coastguard Auxiliary on Lake Lewisville. He made many lifelong friendships in each of these organizations. He was also very proud to be a part of "Hike for Life" which is a pro life walk that raises money for women in crisis and their unborn children. Toms involvement in so many groups, organizations and family functions are a testament to his leadership abilities that began back in the year 1960 at Somerset High School. On December 23, 1961, a true love story and a life of adventure began. An adventure that spanned almost 62 years of building a wonderful family. Together as the patriarch and matriarch of the Watters family, Tom and June always put their family first. Tom is survived by his wonderful wife, June (Bentley) Watters. Four devoted children, Brenda (Bryan) Byrnes, Michelle Watters, Tommy (Kristi) Watters, and Tammy (Loren) Hedrick. Twelve grandchildren who loved him dearly. Ashley (Henry) Walker, Megan (James) Hays, Kelly (Tessa) Byrnes, Alec Byrnes, Juliana Byrnes, Nicholas Hatley, Austin (Kasey) Watters, Landon Watters, Abbi (Noah) Postema, Hayden (Carter) Hawk, Kayla Harris, and Erin (Jordan) Hemphill. Nine great grandchildren, whom he adored. Adalynn, Aubree and Hank Walker, Kailee Hays, Nash and Elise Byrnes, Lincoln and Campbell Watters and Sutton Hawk. Tom is also survived by brothers John (Kathy) Watters, Chuck Watters and Bob Watters along with many nephews, nieces, business associates and countless friends. He truly never met a stranger! Tom is preceded in death by his loving parents Jim and Alice Watters. Sisters Mary Alice Watters, Margie Martell, and Marcia Chandler. Brother Jim Watters and great granddaughter Baylor Hays. Donnellys Colonial Funeral Home, Irving Tuesday, October 10, 2023 5:30 pm Rosary 6:00-8:00 pm Visitation St. Luke Catholic Church, Irving Wednesday, October 11, 2023 11:00 am Funeral DFW National Cemetery, Dallas 1:00 pm Burial Knights of Columbus Hall 2:00 pm Reception Donations may be made to hikeforlifetexas.com SERVICES Rosary

Tuesday, October 10, 2023 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Colonial Funeral Home of Irving 606 West Airport Freeway Irving, TX 75062

Visitation

Tuesday, October 10, 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Colonial Funeral Home of Irving 606 West Airport Freeway Irving, TX 75062

Mass of Christian Burial

Wednesday, October 11, 2023 11:00 AM

St. Luke's Catholic Church 204 South MacArthur Blvd. Irving, TX 75060

Graveside Service

Wednesday, October 11, 2023 1:00 PM

Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas, TX 75211