E. D. K. Watters Obituary

May 1880, Cleburne TX.

E. D. K. Watters, at this place, after an illness of eight days of pneumonia on the 24th of last month, King Watters as he was familiarly called by his friends, was born in Perry County, Alabama, June 26, 1851. He moved to Tallidega County in early youth,where he was raised. In 1853 he made a hopeful profession of religion and united with the Baptist Church at Lazetteville in that county. He moved to this state in 1855; returned to his native state and married in 1857,and soon after returned to Tyler in this state where he lived until 1877, at which time he moved to this place where he lived until death removed him.

As a man,in all his business transactions he was governed by the most inflexible honesty and integrity. In his associations he was familiar,candid and genial. His disposition was gentle and patient. His hospitality was warm and unrestrained.

As a Christian, his character shone resplendently, and his influence was ever felt for good. He carried in all his deportment the image of Christ,and exemplified the truths of Christianity by a living example. His whole life was characterized by deep devotion and ardent piety. He was faithfull in his discharge of all his religious dutied. He made his own hearthstone redolent with the praises of God. He never absented himself from his church meetings if he was able to attend. During the many temptatious incident to a soldier's life, he maintained his Christian charater unsullied.

As a church member, he was ever humble, modest and active. In his death Cleburne Church has lost one of its most leading, pious and influential members. As a husband and father, he was most tender and affectionate. Peace, plenty,and happiness abode under his roof.

He leaves, to mourn their loss, a devoted wife and daughter; a wife who,from his youth has shared with marked congeniality the cares and pleasures of life. In addition he leaves many loving friends, both here and in Tyler.

During the three last days of his sickness he was irrational, but previous to this he expressed himself as willing to abide the Lord's time and good pleasure in taking him away. His wondering mind floated amidst the interest of God's Zion, and his incoherent expressions related to the prosperity of the cause of Christ. He has gone, but in glorious hope. As " a steward of the the manifold grace of God," he will hear the blessed plaudit of " well done thou good and faithful servant." Even now his spirit rest in the bossom of the Redeemer and mingles in communion with the heavenly saints.

This writer has known him for near twenty years and has known him but to love him more with increasing years and more intimate acquaintance. He extends with many sad friends his warmest sympathies to his affectionate wife and daughter, who are now disconsulate over their irreparable loss.