In loving memory of Bob Watts

Hello my name is Zachary Imler. My long time friend, Merrell Amos-Watts, unfortunately just suffered the loss of his amazing father, Bob Watts. Chief Bob Watts passed away from natural causes on Sunday May 21st at 6:33am. He lived to be 84 years old and truly was an incredible man. This is to help the family cover his funeral costs and other financial burdens.

His passing has caused an unknown financial future for the family. Bernadette, Bob's wife & Merrell's mother, is on long term disability in addition to being on a fixed income. There are also medical expenses she has to face. Sadly with Bob's passing, the retirement income and insurance from the US government is going to end.

About Bob:

Bob Watts was born in Nodaway, Iowa on September 18th, 1938. His father was Lyle V. Watts and his mother Mildred Watts. Bob had a younger brother, Charlie Watts. He lived in Iowa until 1945, when he moved with his family to Washington D.C. and funny enough they ended up on Iowa Avenue. A few years later, they moved to Falls Church, Virginia where he spent the remainder of his childhood years. When Bob grew up, he honorably served in the United States Army from August 16th, 1957 to August 15th, 1960. He served as a Military Police Officer and was stationed in Korea. After his service, he worked for the US government up until 1993. He also served his community for 54 years as a volunteer fire fighter at the Sterling Volunteer Fire Department in Virginia. Bob joined the department shortly after it was formed in 1966. Bob rose through the ranks to be Fire Chief for 4 years, between 1978-1980 as well as serving on the Board of Directors for a number of years. After his tenure of being Chief, he served the remaining years as Chief Engineer up until 2022. Bob was best known for his mechanical knowledge and skill and was the primary engineer responsible for maintenance and repair of the entire SVFD fleet for decades. He was also directly involved in the development of the technical specifications for new apparatus and equipment. Bob Watts was an institution in Sterling VFD and he leaves a legacy of contributions for over 50 years of service that helped shape the fire company from its earliest days.

His Family:

Bob Watts was married to Bernadette Amos-Watts for 22 years. Together they had a beloved son, Merrell Amos-Watts. Bob Watts also had two more beloved children from a previous marriage, a son, Robert "Bobby" Watts and a daughter, Melissa "Missy" Watts. From his children came 4 wonderful grandchildren. From oldest to youngest, they are Stephanie Watts, Samantha Oerlty, Kelsey Oertly and Robby Watts.

Thank you for your time and consideration to help this family in need. Bob devoted so much of his life to keeping the community safe and I am hoping the community can come together to help his family in need! Anything and everything is so greatly appreciated!