Donald Allen Watters, Jr., 68, of Vero Beach, passed away on Feb. 20, 2015, at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach.
He is survived by his wife Dianne Watters of Vero Beach; son D. Allen Watters, III (Stephen Szutenbach) of Orlando; mother-in-law Mary Abrams of Vero Beach; cousins Chuck Schmeer (Denise), Beth Stanaland (Bill), Mary Jane Tippett (Henry), and numerous members of his extended family.
Watters was born in Jacksonville, Fla., and soon after was adopted by his parents, Dr. D.A. Watters, Sr., and Mary Stanaland, of Vero Beach. A life-long resident of Vero Beach, he attended Vero Beach High School, graduating in 1964. He subsequently earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Embry-Riddle University in Dayton Beach, Fla. Following college graduation, he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army and saw action in Vietnam.
After returning to Vero Beach, he attended Flight Safety Academy where he trained as a commercial pilot, earning his instrument rating for single and multi-engine airplanes and status as a flight instructor.
In 1971, he and Dianne Abrams were married, and in 1978 their only son, D. Allen Watters III was born. Watters was a devoted and loving father and husband.
He donated his time to the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as a leader for his son’s pack and troop; during his time as a scout volunteer, he proudly supported his son’s efforts in achieving Eagle Scout.
After 30 years of service as an Environmental Inspector, he retired in 2009 from the Indian River County Health Department. In his retirement, he enjoyed camping, traveling, watching any kind of Florida Gator sports, taking naps, photography, nature, animals, visiting his son, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Ste 104, Washington, DC 20037, or American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas TX 75284 in memory of D. Allen Watters, Jr.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015 at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach.
