Cleal Thomas Watts, MD's Obituary
Cleal Thomas Watts, III MD (Doc), 68, of Dallas, Texas passed away on November 10, 2025.
Cleal was born on May 21, 1957 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Cleal Watts Jr and Marie Elizabeth ("Mitzi" Furtula) Watts. He exemplified hard work and dedication from an early age by working with his father in the family’s heavy earth moving construction business until he went to college.
Growing up, Cleal was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Dallas, serving as altar boy, etc. throughout primary school years and graduated from Hillcrest High School. He then began studying medicine and earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.), Biochemistry, Physics & PreMed at NMMI, and Doctor of Medicine from the American University of Caribbean/Weill Medical College of Cornell University in 1983. Cleal was active in the International Academy of Ophthalmology and AMA & Texas Pediatrics Association and research for Pediatrics AIDS, started the Marfan Syndrome Study at Scottish Rite Hospital and was Vice Chairman of the Washington D. C. International Debutante Cotillion Committee.
After medical school, Cleal began working in International Asset Protection/Management with specialties in Engineering & Equipment Manufacturing, High-tech, Medical, Natural Resources, Renewable Resources, and Scientific Research. Cleal shared his wisdom, knowledge and talents with everyone he met and he loved aviation, scuba diving, and fishing.
Cleal met the love of his life, Debra (Debbie) Koper, in 1992 in Dallas, Texas. They shared a life and home together in Dallas for 35 years until his death.
Cleal was preceded in death by his parents Cleal Watts Jr and Marie (Mitzi) Watts, and sister Elizabeth Watts. Cleal is survived by Debra (Debbie) Koper, brothers Milon Watts, Lawrence Watts and many cousins.
What’s your fondest memory of Cleal?
What’s a lesson you learned from Cleal?
Share a story where Cleal's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Cleal you’ll never forget.
How did Cleal make you smile?

