1948
Doral
2025
Doral Watts
May 14, 1948 — February 11, 2025
Doral Morris Watts, age 76, peacefully passed away on February 11, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones after a long struggle with cancer. Doral was born on May 14, 1948, in Rockford, IL to Kenneth and Marlyn Watts. He was raised, alongside his brother, Kerwood Watts, on their family farms located on Harrison Rd. and Oliver Rd. in Winnebago County. Growing up, Doral was actively involved in the Winnebago County 4-H programs, to include raising and showing livestock that were sometimes bigger than he was. Doral graduated from Winnebago High School, class of 1966, and went on to graduate from University of Illinois in 1970.
Doral pursued this passion for agriculture by joining the Peace Corps in 1970, serving three years in India and two years in Iran. In 1976, Doral began working for U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He started off his career as an Agronomist in Sudan and Cameroon. He served the next 23 years as an Agricultural Development Officer in Morrocco, Senegal, Mali, and Washington, DC. Upon retirement with 31 years of government service, he and Judy moved back to Rockford, IL to be close to family. In 2013, they moved into Wesley Willows where Doral joined the auxiliary and partook in many volunteer opportunities.
Doral met his soulmate, Judy Watts, at the age of 3, even though he did not know it at the time. Doral married Judy in December of 1980. Together for 44 years, they lived a rich life traveling the world, raising their daughters in Africa, and exploring the National Parks in the U.S. Doral was also a cherished grandpa to two grandkids who loved and adored him dearly.
Doral loved a spirited game of dominoes and Carcassonne. He was quiet but looked forward to a good conversation. He was a great listener. His sense of humor was dry, but he could get you laughing in no time with his wit. You could find Doral watching tractor and farming shows to pass the time or while he was working on his different spreadsheets. He enjoyed car rides with his wife in the countryside to watch the tractors work in the fields and check on the local farms with a mandatory pitstop at Dairyhaus for some strawberry ice cream.
Preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Marlyn Watts, and his daughter, Megan Watts, whom he is now reunited with in heaven. Survived by his wife, Judy Watts; his daughter, Amanda (James) Moffett; two grandchildren, James and Anna Moffett; his brother, Kerwood (Patricia) Watts; and his nieces and nephews, Allissa (John) Witham, Kara (Jeff) Schroeder, and Derek Watts.
Doral is remembered for his strong spirit, resilience, sense of humor, humble demeanor, and gentle nature. He had such an amazing soul and personality. Doral was a compassionate man. He always made sure to put others first, even as the end grew near. Doral was loved and respected by so many. He was a true friend to all who knew him, a beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, son, and uncle.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Doral's memory can be made to Illinois Extension 4-H Winnebago County at 1040 N. Second St., Rockford, IL 61107 (web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw) and the American Red Cross (redcross.org). The family would like to thank the staff at Wesley Willows for their care and compassion over the years.
Doral pursued this passion for agriculture by joining the Peace Corps in 1970, serving three years in India and two years in Iran. In 1976, Doral began working for U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He started off his career as an Agronomist in Sudan and Cameroon. He served the next 23 years as an Agricultural Development Officer in Morrocco, Senegal, Mali, and Washington, DC. Upon retirement with 31 years of government service, he and Judy moved back to Rockford, IL to be close to family. In 2013, they moved into Wesley Willows where Doral joined the auxiliary and partook in many volunteer opportunities.
Doral met his soulmate, Judy Watts, at the age of 3, even though he did not know it at the time. Doral married Judy in December of 1980. Together for 44 years, they lived a rich life traveling the world, raising their daughters in Africa, and exploring the National Parks in the U.S. Doral was also a cherished grandpa to two grandkids who loved and adored him dearly.
Doral loved a spirited game of dominoes and Carcassonne. He was quiet but looked forward to a good conversation. He was a great listener. His sense of humor was dry, but he could get you laughing in no time with his wit. You could find Doral watching tractor and farming shows to pass the time or while he was working on his different spreadsheets. He enjoyed car rides with his wife in the countryside to watch the tractors work in the fields and check on the local farms with a mandatory pitstop at Dairyhaus for some strawberry ice cream.
Preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Marlyn Watts, and his daughter, Megan Watts, whom he is now reunited with in heaven. Survived by his wife, Judy Watts; his daughter, Amanda (James) Moffett; two grandchildren, James and Anna Moffett; his brother, Kerwood (Patricia) Watts; and his nieces and nephews, Allissa (John) Witham, Kara (Jeff) Schroeder, and Derek Watts.
Doral is remembered for his strong spirit, resilience, sense of humor, humble demeanor, and gentle nature. He had such an amazing soul and personality. Doral was a compassionate man. He always made sure to put others first, even as the end grew near. Doral was loved and respected by so many. He was a true friend to all who knew him, a beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, son, and uncle.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Doral's memory can be made to Illinois Extension 4-H Winnebago County at 1040 N. Second St., Rockford, IL 61107 (web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw) and the American Red Cross (redcross.org). The family would like to thank the staff at Wesley Willows for their care and compassion over the years.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Doral Watts, please visit our flower store.
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