Eddie always said, “You’ll never get out of this world alive!” He was right.

Edwin Watts Deats, Eddie, left this earth in the wee hours of the morning on Thursday, February 4, 2021. Eddie was born on Galveston Island on August 20, 1943, to Warren and Katherine Deats. He was the third of four children and the only boy. He and his life-long best friend, Johnny Hoke, grew up in Dickinson, TX, catching turtles, caring for the cows, and making general mischief.

After a year of college, Eddie was drafted into the Army where he served in Saigon, Vietnam, as a draftsman. After meeting Mary Nell Huber on a $5.00 bet and a blind date, the two married in Bellville on March 2, 1968. He always said she was the only girl who did not get scared when the cow stuck her head in the truck looking for cubes. The two of them made their home in Cat Spring on the Huber family property where they worked the land and tended the cattle.

Eddie also worked as a draftsman, home builder, and commercial hay bailer. He was a perfectionist and could fix or build anything, perfectly. He once pulled up a fence post because it was a half inch out of place. Eddie and Mary improved pastures, raised cattle, and shared their knowledge along the way. Eddie also had a keen wit and sharp tongue. He loved to run figures, recite poetry, and listen to the classic country music of Tex Ritter, Hank Sr., and Loretta Lynn. He was happiest when he and Mary baled hay . . . they baled a lot of hay in their almost 53 years together!

We have many “Eddieisms” that will continue to echo in our hearts and minds forever. Eddie is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter, Connie, son-in-law, Aaron, granddaughter, Skye, and two sisters, Genevieve Baird and Frances Mears. And, always remember, “Even a blind hog gets an ear of corn every now and then!”

In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to a charity of your choice.

Family will hold a memorial service at a later date and time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Knesek Family Funeral Chapel 842 E. Main St., Bellville, TX 77418, (979) 865-3121, www.knesekfuneralhome.com