Meridian, MS
Funeral Home
Robert Barham Family Funeral Home
Visitation
NA due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Service
Private Graveside Services for Mr. John W. Watts, Sr. will be Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at Magnolia Cemetery. There will be a public memorial service scheduled at a later date.
Obituary
Another great Airmen and Fallen Hero have been released from duty, passed from our ranks on April 23, 2020 and moved on to his heavenly home. Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) John W. Watts, Sr., age 86, a retired member of the MS Air National Guard who had served within the 186th Civil Engineering Squadron, 186th Air Refueling Wing, Meridian, MS to culminate as Commander has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.
It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country giving up their family time, comfort and safety for their country ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur still remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.
Rest in Peace Airmen. We applaud your patriotism and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, this country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright and live so free. You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels. May God continue to look over you and your family. “Stand At Rest Airmen”
Obituary
John was born February 10, 1934 and was a graduate of Meridian Public Schools and Mississippi State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He was a registered professional engineer and after several years engaged in consulting engineering finished his career with the 186th TRW at Key Field. He served as the commander of the 186th Civil engineering squadron until his retirement in 1990 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a founding member of Grace Fellowship Baptist Church and served his church as a deacon, moderator, and teacher.
Mr. John is preceded in death by his parents John J and Helen Watts; brothers, T. Kenneth Watts and Benny D. Watts; sister-in-law, Kathryn T. Watts;brother-in-law, Tom George, Jr. and nephew, Tom George, III.
Mr. Watts is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Ann Maxwell; sons, Larry Watts, of New Orleans, LA; and John Watts, Jr. of Alexandria, VA. His is also survived by his sister, Jackie George of Bessemer, AL; sister-in-law, Dwight Watts; nephews, David George (Alyson), Kenny Watts (Kim), Carl Watts (Nancy), Dwayne Watts; nieces, Elizabeth Murphy (Mike), Grace Mitts (Billy), and mother-in-law, Katherine Maxwell.
Pallbearers will be nephews and special friends. Honorary Pallbearers will be Members of his ANG family.
The family ask that if desired memorials should be made as donations to Grace Fellowship Baptist Church, P.O. Box 3848 Meridian 39303 or to a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.
The will be a public memorial service scheduled at a later date.