Robert Keith Watts Sr.

Robert “Bob” Keith Watts, Sr., passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born January 5, 1943, in Temple, Texas. He attended Temple High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in physics from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. On the heels of graduation, General Electric, a contractor for NASA, recruited him during the space program’s heyday. His first professional decade proved to be a hallmark of his career. Those were exciting days living in Clear Lake when friendly neighbors also were global celebrities — astronauts who might fill the next pew at church.

Bob worked on the programming of the telemetry between the Apollo command module and Houston. While some of his coworkers received formal training, Bob was handed a set of educational materials and told to get busy. This was before college computer majors were common. He thrived in his work and built lifelong friendships with many of his coworkers. When the time came for reviews, he earned an extraordinary raise. In his self-deprecating way, he laughed that his employer must have been embarrassed by the pitifully low wage they paid him.

In 1972, Bob viewed the launch of Apollo 16 as a special guest in honor of his contribution to the Apollo program. When the Temple Daily Telegram published the news of this accolade, Robert Walter Watts, Bob’s father, sent him a note that read: “Thanks for having always added joy to our lives.” After leaving NASA, Bob worked in various roles, including stints at the helm of his own businesses.

Bob was happiest behind a computer or with a shotgun slung over his shoulder exploring his family’s farm during dove season. He was known for his speed — on the field and the road. Alone, he effectively covered the outfield on the men’s softball team comprised of NASA friends and coworkers, and he drove a 1963 white, split-window Corvette that helped him collect more than a few speeding tickets.

Bob was a humble, soft-spoken and kind husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who loved his family dearly. Not one to preach, he led by example and offered input on matters about which he felt strongly. He served as a quiet source of strength for all. Bob was extremely close to his grandfather, Paul “Gramps” Krause. Without fail throughout the decades, the mention of Gramps provoked sweet emotion, and their joyous reunion in heaven gives the family immense comfort at this time.

Bob was preceded in death by his father and mother, Robert and Rose Krause Watts. He is survived by Carolyn Watts, his first love and wife of 38 years. They courted in high school before reconnecting in the late 1980s, and they shared a special bond that carried them through many joys and challenges at various locations in Texas and beyond. Bob is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Jane Watts, and his grandsons, Robert and William Watts; his daughter, Elena Watts; his son James Shirley and wife Lyndee; his grandchild Julia Brooks and husband Brandon, and great-grandsons Ricky Arizmendi and Bradley Brooks; his grandchild Jennifer Melendez and husband Noel, and great-grandchildren Raeleigh and Nico Melendez, as well as many other relatives and friends.