Maurice Lynn Watts BS'40, a former U of U Alumni Association president, died at home November 17 with his family by his side. He was 88.
Watts was born November 20, 1917, in Murray, Utah, to William Eugene and Gertrude Park Watts, the ninth of eleven children. He graduated from Murray High School and the University of Utah, where he was active in student government and basketball. He later served as president of the U of U Alumni Association from 1961-1963.
Inducted into active military service in March of 1941 during World War II, he served active duty for five years, three in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of Operations, where he participated in the amphibious landing at Lingayen Gulf on the Island of Luzon. He went on to serve as the assistant adjutant general and the adjutant general of the Utah National Guard for 27 years. He also rendered service to the community as a director of the Utah Society for Crippled Children and Adults, and as a volunteer for Ballet West and the American Cancer Society. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in bishoprics, High Council, and as a teacher in the Sunday School and Priesthood Group. He was also a member of the MIA General Board and served as the president of the Australia Sydney Mission.
Maurice L. Watts married Donna Christensen on April 24, 1946 in the Salt Lake Temple. He is survived by three sons and a daughter: Robert K. (Debbra), Brad E. (Ellice), Mindy Folsom (Dave), and Todd E. (Jennette); 20 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Donna, and his son Cory D. Watts, while serving an LDS mission.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Edited from the notice published in The Salt Lake Tribune from 11/19 - 11/22/2006.