Lowell Hoyt Watts, 100, of Sun City West, AZ passed away January 7, 2021. Lowell was born on February 4, 1920 in Timnath, CO to Robert and Vera (Sherred) Watts. Lowell graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Colorado State University, Class of 1941. In 1962, he received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado.
During World War II, Lowell served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot of the B-17 Bomber. He flew 24 combat missions over Germany. On his 25th flight. his plane was shot down on March 6, 1944. Four of the ten crew members did not survive and Lowell was taken as a Prisoner of War. Lowell returned to service during the Korean War serving in the U.S. Air Force. For his Military Service Lowell received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Purple Heart.
Lowell worked with Colorado State University from 1954 to 1984, holding several positions including Director of Extension & Community Services, from 1965 to 1983. He was a Charter member of the Board of Directors of the National 4-H Foundation and a member of the Board of Directors of Heifer Project International (HPI). After retiring Lowell continued to serve as Chief of Party for HPI in Cameroon, West Africa, Acting Executive Director of HPI, and Interim Director of Global Services Member of HPI Foundation Board of Directors.
Lowell was a member of Desert Palms Presbyterian Church in Sun City West, AZ. He was also Past Commander of Agua Fria Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of Wars, and Arizona Department of Ex-Prisoners of War. He was a member of VFW, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Disabled American Veterans.
Lowell is survived by his sons Gary Watts of Arkansas and Larry Watts of California; his step-children David Ward of California and Martha Dee Day of Arizona; as well as his 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, February 8, 2021 at 1:00pm at Sunland Mortuary, 15826 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ 85351. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Sunland Memorial Park. To send condolences to the Watts family please visit www.SunlandMemorial.com.
