David A. Watts

David Albert Watts “Poppy” was born November 21, 1938 in Painesville, Ohio to Joseph Krupansky and Irene (Sabolik) Krupansky, both of Slovakian descent. His father, Joseph, passed away in a construction accident when he was three years old, and Irene married Ralph L. Watts, Sr., who adopted and raised David. David was an older brother to Ralph L. (June) Watts, Jr. and uncle to Justin David (Lauren) Watts. David lived a life filled with love and adventure before passing away on November 20, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. David attended St Mary’s parish grade school in Painesville and graduated from Thomas W. Harvey High School in 1956. David served in the United States Air Force, during which he was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. He was a black belt in karate and taught others the art at his own studio. He earned his Zoology Degree from The Ohio State University and made a career as a Wildlife Biologist for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. David was an avid reader and lifelong learner, with his interests leading him and his family on adventures around the world to explore Mayan pyramids, the rainforest of Belize, Roman ruins, D Day beaches in Normandy, polar bears of the Arctic, and numerous others. After his retirement from the ODNR, he moved to Montana to be closer to the nature and wildlife he enjoyed so much by fly fishing on the Missouri River and hiking throughout the Rocky Mountains. While living there, he was a volunteer wildland fireman for the Dearborn Fire Department. His numerous hobbies and interests included photography, woodworking, hiking, backpacking, snow skiing, dog training, hunting, motorcycling, and astronomy. David was fearless, courageous, witty, and always a gentleman. He could build or fix practically anything. He loved his family deeply. He leaves behind his life partner of forty-five years, Ann Davidson, daughter, Amanda (Zimmerman Watts) Canter, son-in-law, Richard Canter, granddaughter, Claire, and grandsons Caleb and Cole, who were all by his side when he passed. Above all else, he was loved. His family will be holding a private ceremony in his memory. Please consider making a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or Arc of Appalachia.