Berkley B. Watts
Berkley Watts was born in Leslie, Ark. and grew up in Wichita, Kan., where he and his brothers had the responsibility of supporting their family at an early age. His career in the newspaper business began in his teens and spanned nearly 40 years with The Wichita Eagle-Beacon, The Oklahoma Publishing Co., and The Ponca City News, where he was Circulation Director and Assistant Business Manager supervising hundreds of carriers and circulation staff. While in Ponca, Berkley became Regional Sales Manager for Berkley-Small, a Scripps Howard Company specializing in newspaper vending machines and supplies. His area covered the western half of the U.S.
While raising a family in Ponca City, Berkley served the community, including the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, City Planning Commission, School Board, Kiwanis, Jaycees, and President of the PO-Hi Chorale Parents’ Association; he attended Albright United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church, serving on various Church boards and served as Youth Fellowship sponsors at Albright. He and Lois moved to Raleigh, N.C. in 1989 continuing in newspaper supply sales and later moved to California for a position in sales of custom printing and paper supplies to businesses in the Silicon Valley and Bay Area.
Berkley retired in 2001 and moved to Oklahoma City close to family where Lois continued to work, and Berkley took on the important roles of Granddad, chauffer, handyman, gardener, and chief mechanic for all of the family vehicles.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Gladys Watts; his two brothers, Paul and Dwight; and a son-in-law, Robert Bedford.
He is survived by his wife Lois of 63 years; son Terry, of Tulsa; daughter Lori Watts Bedford, of Oklahoma City; granddaughter Ashley Bedford Chitwood, her husband Luke, and his great-granddaughter Abigail of Chicago, Ill.; Chris Fisher, of Sedalia Mo.; many nieces and nephews; and other extended family members from various nations because if Berkley met you and liked you, you became family!
A celebration of Berkley’s life will be held on Thursday, Jan. 24th, at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 127 NW 7th, downtown Oklahoma City. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Saint Anthony Foundation, 601 NW 11th, Oklahoma City, 73103 in honor of the work and ministry of Dr. Ryan Dennis; Street School, 1135 S. Yale Ave., Tulsa, OK 74112; or St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 5635 E. 71st St., Tulsa, OK 74136.
paid obituary