John I. Watts

John I. Watts, age 79 of Nevada, died on Saturday Aug. 9, 2008 at Christian Healthcare of Nevada following a lengthy illness. He was born on Oct. 31, 1928, in Cedar County, to Jess Watts and Florence Behird Watts. On May 15, 1990, he was married to Anna Louise Watts and she survives of the home in Nevada.

John grew up in Cedar County and went to school there. He served in the United States Marines for two years during World War II and was stationed in the Philippines. John worked at the Nevada State Hospital for 20 years in the maintenance department until his retirement in 1990. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion, in Nevada.

Survivors in addition to his wife Anna Louise include eight children, Johnny Eugene Watts, of New Orleans, La., Melvin Gerald Watts, of Des Moines, Iowa, Sharon Smith and her husband Willard, of St. Louis, Mo., Kathy Wisegarver, of Portland, Ore., "Little" John Watts, of Nevada, Barbara Trude, of Nevada, Rose Dozier, of Nevada, Linda Owens, of Nevada; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three brothers, Jesse Watts and his wife Joyce, of El Dorado Springs, Tom Watts, of Kansas City, Mo., Raymond Watts and his wife Delores, of Peculiar, Mo.; one step-brother, Eldy Richardson, of Jerico Springs; and several nieces and nephews. He was previously married to Diane Duncan, of Nevada.

Funeral services were be held at 10 a.m., on Monday, Aug. 11, at Ferry Funeral Home with Mike Hutchens officiating. Interment will follow in the National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas.

The family received friends from 4-6 p.m., on Sunday at the funeral home.

Those who wish may contribute to the family in care of the funeral home.

View obituary and send condolnces online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.