Watne, Kim Lloyd

Kim Lloyd Watne, 79, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, died in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by family, on April 3, 2025. Kim was devoted to his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a faithful husband, loving father, doting grandfather, and a steady friend. He radiated the love of God through his beautiful smile and welcoming spirit. He was both clever and winsome, steady and adventurous, disciplined and full of surprises.

Kim was an affectionate husband to the love of his life, Carol. Together, they had three children, Jamie, Heather, and Mark. Being a father and husband was one of Kim’s greatest joys. His children cherish that he was devoted to them, to their mother, and to God.

Kim was born in Bismarck, North Dakota in 1945 to Stanford Lloyd Watne and Elva Lucille Watne. He had three sisters, Karen, Patricia, and his twin Kathy. He grew up in Flasher and Tioga, North Dakota. His mother was his 5th grade teacher and his father was his high school principal. Kim shared many interests with his father, including airplanes. They spent months building a small aircraft in their garage–the beginning of Kim’s lifelong passion for flying.

He attended the University of North Dakota where he earned a math degree before joining the United States Air Force as a pilot. While at UND Kim met and fell in love with Carol, and they were married August 31, 1968. Soon after, Kim was deployed to serve in the Vietnam War. Carol was a nurse, and was asked by the U.S. military to serve in a makeshift hospital in Okinawa for wounded soldiers. After the war, Kim transferred to Warner Robins, GA, where he enjoyed flight-testing repaired C-130 planes. In Georgia, they welcomed their son, Jamie, and their daughter, Heather. A few years later Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent successful treatment. Kim’s kids still remember his dinner table prayers, thanking the Lord for Carol’s recovery and asking for her continued health. Her cancer never returned.

In 1980, Kim was transferred to Abilene, Texas, where he served as an overseas pilot for the Air Force. There they welcomed their son, Mark, and their family was complete. Kim flew missions in several different countries during this time, and upon return would be able to tell his family about the country he had been to, bringing gifts and coins from his travels to the kids.

In 1986 Kim was transferred to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he served at White Sands Missile Range. Since he couldn’t share details about his work there, he often joked that he now flew a desk. Retiring from the Air Force after 24 years, and never one to sit still, Kim joined his two oldest children at New Mexico State University, earning a second degree in electrical engineering. He then enjoyed working for a government contractor training soldiers in Yuma, Arizona.

Kim and Carol made their home in Las Cruces for 36 years and had a dear community at University Presbyterian Church. Kim served as a deacon, finding joy in helping others. He was involved with Evangelism Explosion, fearlessly sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with strangers. After many short term mission trips to Romania, Kim and Carol eventually moved there, serving with Mission to the World for three years. Alongside an established MTW team, Kim and Carol helped build community with college students, enjoying the challenges of learning a new language and culture.

As their children moved away and married, Kim was always exuberant when told that a grandchild was on the way, believing with his whole heart that children are a blessing from the Lord. Kim loved being Papa, whether cuddling a newborn, playing on the floor with toddlers, or embarking on wild adventures with grandkids of every age.  His kids and grandkids loved coming to their home on Rainbow Drive, a refuge of peace and love. Kim was known for leading a full table in prayer before supper, with humble tears of gratefulness, thanking God for his faithfulness and mercies to him and to his family through the years.

Kim loved being outdoors with his family and his friends, hiking, hunting, camping, fishing, and working and gardening in his yard. He was a life-long learner, ever inquisitive, vibrant, and adventurous. He liked to build, modify, and fix things; if he could learn how to do it himself, he would. Kim was known for being able to find his way out of seemingly impossible situations mid-adventure; he was a problem solver and creative thinker. Friends and family will recall many entertaining stories of wild adventures with Kim.

Kim is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Jamie, Heather (Fred), Mark (Joanna); his fifteen grandchildren, Naomi, Audrey, Cate, Ana, Bjorn, Ilsa, Daniel, Norah, Caleb, Benjamin, Jack, Finn, Grey, Cole, and Lucy; and his sisters, Karen and Patricia. He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin sister, Kathy.

Services will be on Friday, April 11, at New City Fellowship South, 3502 Grace Ave. Saint Louis, MO  63116, begining with visitation at 9:00 AM until funeral service at 10:00 AM, followed by Military Committal Service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Thank you for your remembrances and warm condolences. Flowers may be sent to the home: 1723 Waverly Pl, St. Louis MO 63104