Frank J. Watts

WATTS, RAY, JEWETT

Posted By: Esther M. Breeden (email)
Date: 1/31/2003 at 13:39:24

FRANK J. WATTS

After six years of failing health the spirit of Frank J. Watts passed to his Maker on June 4, 1951, at his home two miles south of Bonaparte, at the age of 84 years, five months and 26 days.

He was the son of Robert and Nellie Jewett Watts and was on Dec. 15, 1866, in Bonaparte township. He had lived nearly all of his life here, except for a short period when he moved with his parents to a farm near Pella.

He was married to Lottie Ray on May 7, 1894 and they established their new home on a farm near Hillsboro. Here they joined the Christian church and gave of their time and talent. Their only son, Leslie A., was born while they lived near Hillsboro.

In 1899 the Watts moved to the present home sourth of Bonaparate. Mr. and Mrs. Watts united with the Baptist church in Bonaparte and for 45 years Mr. Watts served the church as a deacon. When failing health came he was made an honorary deacon for life. He served as a church trustee for 19 years, and was Sunday School superintendent for 22 years.

In 1928, Mr. and Mrs. Watts moved into Bonaparte and in 1944 it was their privilege to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

His life was one of service to his family, his church, and his community. As a farmer he tilled the soil and received pleasure in seeing the seeds become plants and plants producing the grains of the fields. He was a good friend and a good neighbor.

Mr. Watts was preceded in death by his wife, who passed away in 1945, his parents and his three brothers, Robert, Carl and Fred. He was survived by his only son, Leslie A., his daughter-in-law Winnetka, two grandchildren, Carl and Mary Jo Watts; his three sisters-in-law, many cousins and friends.

When Mrs. Watts passed away five years ago Mr. Watts went to live with his son and family on the farm south of Bonaparte, selling the home in east Bonaparte to Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Chipman.

At the end of this useful life, friends and family unite in these thoughts:

"How beautiful to be with God
When life is fading like a dream
And from this mist encircled shore
We launch upon the unknown stream.

No doubts, no fears, no anxious cares
But comforted by staff and rod
In the faith brightened hur of death
How beautiful to be with God."

Funeral services were held Wednesday aftaernoon at 2 p.m. in the Bonaparte Baptist church with the Rev. Alfred Trenerry and Rev. C. F. McMican officiating. Music was by Miss Elizabeth Simmons, accompanied by her sister, Miss Mary Ellen Simmons. Pallbearers were Valasco Wilson, Willard Hunter, Lee Zane, Loren I. Peel, Earl Rice, Sr. and Frank Muntz. Burial was in Bonaparte cemetery.

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