Frederick Orville Watrous III

On Sunday morning, October 4, 2026, Fredrick Orville Watrous III, 82, went home to be with the Lord he loved so deeply.

Fred was born on August 13, 1944, in Del Rio, Texas, to Juanita Banta and Fredrick Watrous, Jr. He grew up around farm life, moving from town to town wherever work took his family. One of his favorite memories from his teenage years was working at a drive-in movie theater. Fred loved telling the story of having the perfect job – he could work, make money, and watch the movies at the same time.

At 17 years old, Fred began his service in the United States Navy in active duty from November 30, 1961 until August 12, 1965, and continued serving in the Naval Reserve until November 29, 1967. He was stationed at U.S. Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, Fred served as an E-3 Jet Aircraft Servicer. He had dreamed of becoming a pilot, but his eyesight prevented him from pursuing that path.

Following his military service, Fred moved to Irving, Texas, where he worked as a machinist at Otis Engineering. Then in 1972 he met Diane Hyman through a Christian singles group. They married in 1975 and in 1977 welcomed their son, Jeremy Brook Watrous, and in 1979 their daughter, Jennifer Lee Wolf.

Fred later spent much of his career working as a machinist at Fisher Controls. Those who worked alongside him knew that his faith was never something he kept to himself. If someone needed prayer, wanted to talk about the Lord, or wanted to know more about Jesus, Fred was always willing to listen, pray, and share the faith that meant so much to him.

Fred was happiest working with his hands or spending time outdoors. He loved building things, working in the yard, fishing, hunting and simply being outside. His talents were evident in countless projects, but perhaps none more meaningful than the home he built in which his children spent their childhood – a lasting testament to his hard work and dedication to his family.

On the weekends when he had his children you could count on two things. They would be outside at compound bow hunting competitions on Saturday and church at Victor Life in Durant on Sunday.

During the final years of his life, Fred lived with his sister, Pauline.

Fred was proceeded in death by his parents, Juanita “Banta” Watrous, and Fredrick O. Watrous, Jr. 

Fred is survived by his sisters: Anita Fey Burrows, Alice Crump, and Dorothea Watrous; his son, Jeremy, married to Alana Watrous, his daughter, Jennifer, married to Mickey Wolf. Grandchildren through his son were Kaedynce, Ean, Isabelle, and Journey. Through his daughter Alexis, Kyle, Dakota, Isaac, Ethan, Raegan, Lily, and Tyler. He was a Great-grandfather to Mason.

His family takes comfort in knowing that the faith he spent so many years sharing with others has now become sight.

Until we meet again, Dad.