Obituary

Edward Ray Watts, 72, Newton, died Sunday, April 21, 1996 at Via Christi, St. Francis Campus, Wichita, Kansas. He was born May 3, 1923 at Mt. Zion, Illinois, the son of Noble Harvey an Lucille Mullens Watts. A longtime area resident, he was the owner of Culligan Water Company in Harvey and Marion counties.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Newton; the VFW Post 971; Knights of Columbus 976 Council; Chamber of Commerce of Newton; American Legion Post #2 and the Babe Ruth Baseball League for 12 years, all of Newton. A U.S. Air Force veteran, serving during World War II, he flew bombing missions over Germany in B-17's, was discharged with the rank of Staff sergeant and was decorated with medals of Air Medal with Two Oak Clusters, European Theatre, Good Conduct and Wings.

He maried Gertrude Josephine Elam in Elkins, West Virginia on February 17, 1944. She survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Alicia Adele Glass, Mission; Teresa Marie Gray, Wichita; and Marilyn Christine Watts-White, Morrison, Colorado; five brothers, Noble Junior Watts and Alvin Russel Watts, both of Decatur, Illinois; Leroy Eugene Watts of California; Lester Gene Watts, Desert Hot Spriings, California and Laverne Harvey Watts, Fullerton, California; four sisters, Edna Lucille Howard; Doris Ellen Moeller and Betty Lou Watts, all of Decatur, Illinois and Carol Sue Davidson of California; nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Annette Marie Watts and two sons, David Andrew Watts and Mark Edwards Watts.

Rosary was April 24 at Petersen Funeral Home, Newton. Funeral was April 25 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will be private.

Memorials to St. Mary's Catholic School Technology Fund, with Central Homecare and Hospice of Newton and Animal Shelter of Newton.