E. David Watts, 69, of Lincoln passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 10, 2025 in Vieques, Puerto Rico - a place that became meaningful to him after a mission trip there with his church. He was born on April 18, 1956 in Lincoln to Edward Earl and Merridel (Belisle) Watts. Dave grew up Osceola and graduated from Osceola High School in 1974. He and his wife founded Watts Electric Company out of their house in 1982 and built it into the largest family-owned electrical contractor in the Midwest, where it continues to be operated by their family. Dave was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on February 12, 1982 and was active in freemasonry for 43 years. He was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Lincoln, Hickman Lodge #256 A.F. & A.M., Sesostris Shrine, Scottish Rite and Royal Order of Jesters. Dave enjoyed scuba diving, camping and devoting time assisting various lodges complete freemasonry degree work.
Dave is survived by his children, Aaron Watts and wife Deb of Malcolm, Toni Watts-McDonald and husband Eric of Waverly, Kylie Fallick and husband Jay of Omaha, Edward Noah Watts of Lincoln; grandchildren, James, Olivia and Cody Watts, Pearson and Amos McDonald, Carter and Alexis Fallick; brother, Dan Watts and wife Stephanie of Omaha; Pamela Schmid and husband Doug of David City; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Steve Carlson.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, October 23, 2025 in the Polk County Fairgrounds Ag Hall in Osceola with Pastor Soonil Park officiating. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 PM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 in theAg Hall. Memorials are suggested to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in care of the mortuary. Condolences may be left online at www.harmanwrightmortuary. com. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.