Mr. Joe Watts

Funeral services for Mr. Joe Watts, 84, of Laneville, will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in the chapel at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home with Josh Wardle officiating. Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM on Friday, August 21, at the funeral home. Mr. Watts passed from this life on August 17, 2026, in Henderson. He was born on June 5, 1942, in Laneville to the late John Joseph and Kate Ann (Martin) Watts, and he graduated from Laneville High School. After obtaining his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, Mr. Watts embarked on a career in education that lasted for 52 years. He began his career in Needville, Texas for the 1963-’64 school year before moving on to San Augustine ISD where he taught from 1964-1966. In the fall of ’66, Joe would come back home to Rusk County where he taught at Henderson High School until his retirement in 2015. Throughout his career, he taught agriculture, science and math but most would undoubtedly remember him as their Ag teacher. A career like Mr. Watts’ has an impact not only on students early in his career but for their children and grandchildren as well. There was nothing better than going with Mr. Watts on class field trips. He was recognized by the Ag Teachers Association in 2023 when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Texas Ag Teachers. In addition to his commitment in the classroom, Joe ran the concession stand for football games for 36 years. With agricultural education being at the center of his life and career, he was one of the men that started the Rusk County Ag Center and the Rusk County Youth Project Show. Mr. Watts was also a man of faith and attended church regularly throughout his life. Joe exhibited a knowledge and excellence in the areas of Forestry and cattle genetic factoring. In the classroom, he taught not only agriculture but life lessons like how to balance a checkbook, how to dress and conduct yourself in a job interview, and table place settings. If you were in Coop, you no doubt remember the “Hump-It” books. Mr. Watts also had a great compassion for animals and was a decent country vet. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the mother of his children Sandra Sellers Watts, grandchildren Samuel Charles Watts, Eden Grace Watts, and Case Watts, and his sister Juana Watts Hudson. Survivors include his wife of 38 years Carole Watts of Henderson; children Joey Watts and wife Carie, and Stephanie Watts Houston of Henderson, Lisa Ann Watts of Laneville, and Timothy Mack Watts and wife Julie of Henderson; grandchildren Brady and Trent Watts, Suzanna Houston, and Cody and Austin Watts; as well as a host of cousins, other family, former students, colleagues, and many friends. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Ruth Hunt, Angie Hohmann, and Leola Jones for their devoted care for Joe, for without them he wouldn't have made it the last few years. Pallbearers will be Russell Thomas, Michael Perry, Brad Ingram, Robert Reynolds, Ricky Norman, Billy Jack Sprayberry, and Don Reynolds. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Jones and Trent Ashby. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Henderson High School FFA program for scholarships at PO Box 728, Henderson, TX 75653. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mr. Joe Watts

June 5, 1942 - August 17, 2026