Thelbert Lealon Watts

A graveside service will be held for Thelbert "Sonny" Watts of Artesia, Mexico at 10:00 AM on May 2, 2026, at Dunken Cemetery.

Mr. Watts, 90, died on March 23, 2026 at his home in Artesia.

Cremation will take place under the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary.

Sonny was born on April 1, 1935 in Carlsbad, New Mexico; the son of Thelbert Edward Watts and Evelyn Florene Miller Watts. Sonny attended Artesia Public Schools and graduated from Artesia High School in 1952. After graduation Sonny attended University of New Mexico from 1952-1953, then attended New Mexico State University from 1953-1954. June 6, 1954, Sonny married the love of his life Jane Miller and had two daughters Mendy and Mittie.

Sonny purchased his first herd of sheep in the fall of 1951 and was in partnership with his father Bill. In 1960, Sonny purchased his grandfather's ranch and continued the partnership until the death of his father in 1966. Sonny was instrumental in starting the Dunken Volunteer Fire Department where he was chief for 27 years. Sonny was on many different boards during his lifetime; he was chairman of the Wool Committee, Executive Wool Committee, the American Sheep Producers Council, and The Otero County Electric Coop. Most importantly, Sonny owned and operated Watts Well Service Inc. since 1957, which will be carried on by his daughter, Mendy Hathorn. In the early 2000's, Sonny moved to Artesia and started a new career in the oilfield at Shackelford Oil. While still running his water well services, Sonny worked in the oilfield until he was 80 years old. After semi- retiring, Sonny spent most of his time working on his well service company and enjoying time with friends and family.

He is survived by his daughter Melinda Hathorn; a sister Carolyn Harris; grandchildren Mandy Norman, Geoffrey Hathorn, Mattie Henson, and Marlee Bledsoe; great-grandchildren Madison Pizarro, Braxton Norman, Logan Hathorn, Colten Henson, Henry Hathorn, and Mallory Bledsoe; and by a great-great-grandson Ervin Pizarro.

Sonny is preceded by his wife, Jane Watts; daughter, Mittie Runyan; grandson, Chad Hathorn; son-in-law, Mel Runyan.