Randy Van Watts

Randy “Van” Watts passed away on January 31, 2026. He was born on November 4, 1951, in Dublin, Texas, to Dale Bryan Watts and Cleo Geneva Watts.

Randy grew up in Odessa, TX where he graduated from Permian High School in 1970. He went on to earn his degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, TX.

In July of 1981, Randy married Michelle. They made their home in Roswell, New Mexico, where they lived until 2021, before relocating to the Texas Hill Country. Together, they raised one daughter, Jessica.

Randy began his career as a landman at a young age, quickly discovering his talent for making deals and connecting with people. He worked for Hondo Oil & Gas before becoming an independent landman—a role he continued long after he technically “retired.” His work took him all over, where he met unforgettable characters and collected more “too unbelievable to be true” stories than anyone could count.

Randy lived many lives and crossed paths with countless people, making friends everywhere he went.

Randy traded his jeans, button downs and cowboy boots for track pants and polos as he embarked on many years an avid golfer where he enjoyed spending many afternoons on the course with his buddies. He proudly scored his only hole-in-one on his daughter’s birthday in 2004, playing alongside his friend Jack.

He also enjoyed time as an avid outdoorsman who especially loved hunting dove, quail, and pheasant. Randy inherited a special 1969 Chevrolet pickup, affectionately named Mr. Lucky, which served as his hunting truck before being lovingly restored and eventually becoming Jessica’s first car. He dabbled in fly fishing, enjoying time spent in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.

Later in life, Randy traded in those hobbies, and even his preferred name, as he entered his “beach bum” era and started introducing himself as Van. He enjoyed many trips to the Caribbean, where he could be found snorkeling, fishing, drinking beer, and of course, making new friends. When he wasn’t traveling with Michelle, Randy could be found in shorts, Jimmy Buffett T-shirts and flip-flops at his Roswell office, which he affectionately referred to as “Vanville.”

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Dale Bryan Watts and Cleo Geneva Watts. He is survived by his wife, Michelle; his daughter, Jessica; and her family—Michael, Wyatt, and Eva. He is also survived by his brother, Phil Watts, and his family—Gwen, Taffy, and Tami.

No services are scheduled at this time. Michelle and Jessica ask that you consider making a donation in Randy’s name to CasaKids, 500 N. Main Street, Roswell, New Mexico.