Willard E. Watts, 92, of Ottumwa died at 2:30 p.m. November 2, 2024 at Addington Place of Fairfield.
He was born January 22, 1932 in Ottumwa to Willie Francis “Swede” and Wanda Colene Ross Watts. He married Andrée Marie Josephe Brousseau on August 16, 1953 and she preceded him in death on November 28, 2012. He married Joyce Ann Phillips Weller on July 6, 2013 and she preceded him in death on December 27, 2023.
Willard served in the U.S. Army, Airforce and Navy, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He had worked at John Morrel & Co. as a divisional superintendent over hog kill until they closed and then went to work at John Deere Ottumwa Works.
He was a Past Master of Masonic Empire Lodge #269 A.F. & A.M. and member of the Davenport Consistory
Surviving are his children, Cathy (Bill) Barbie of Carson City, NV, Jack (Carletta) Watts of Downing, MO and Daniel Dominic (Agniezka) Watts of Chicago, IL; 8 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; a brother, John V. Watts of Ottumwa; and a sister, Nancy J. Wood of Indianola.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson and 3 brothers.
Visitation will be open at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 5th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. followed by Masonic services at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Graveside services and burial will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 6th at Shaul Cemetery with military honors conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.
The family requests no flowers, but cards would be appreciated.
