Carl E. Watts

Carl E. Watts was an honorable man who held three things dear: his country, the United States Air Force, and his family. He lived his life to the fullest whether he was courageously touring the Pacific during WWII, coaching his sons’ Little League team, or hanging out with his cronies at the Moose Lodge. Carl was a kind and loving, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who lived his life with integrity and love.

Known as the Roaring Twenties, the decade of the 1920’s were a transitional time for our country as it was transitioning from a time of war with the end of WWI in 1918 to a time of peace. James and Minnie (Wilkinson) Watts of Kokomo, Indiana were preparing their eleven children for another transition of their own as their mother was due to have another sibling at any time. The family was blessed with the birth of a healthy baby boy whom they named Carl on February 17, 1924; he who would also be the last of the Watts children. James supported his family on the farm while Minnie raised their large family. Tragedy struck early in young Carl’s life as his father died when Carl was only ten. His childhood was spent in Kokomo, located in the middle of the state and officially known as the "City of Firsts" for, among other achievements, being a pioneer of United States automobile manufacturing. He enjoyed the companionship of his best friend, his dog Buster and his dog Shep. He graduated from Kokomo High School and was ready to head out into the world. He valiantly served in the Army Air Corps during WWII where he toured the Pacific and was even awarded the Bronze Star, which may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the 9th highest military award (including both combat and non-combat awards) in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations. After proudly serving his country, Carl’s life took a pleasant turn when he met a delightful woman named Doris West through a mutual friend named Lucille. A romance soon blossomed and the two were united in marriage on July 21, 1946.

The newlyweds soon moved to Plainwell, Michigan, located on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, because Carl took a job as a mule driver and a beater engineer at Sutherland Paper. Carl was a dedicated employee who would eventually work for Sutherland Paper for 38 years before retiring after the business had changed names several times, eventually becoming James River. Carl and Doris were blessed with four children of their own: Patricia, Wayne, Douglas, and Deloris. Carl was a giving and supportive father who coached his sons’ Little League teams. Carl and Doris found their church home soon after settling in Michigan and were blessed to find such a caring church in the Westwood Church of God.

He found a variety of things that enriched his life; he enjoyed reading westerns, and books on WWII history. He loved bowling and golfing but didn’t like golfing with Doris since she could out-putt him on the green! He enjoyed listening to southern gospel and big band music and also shared his passion for cribbage with his family when he taught them how to play. Carl was a quiet man except when it came time for sports from any Indiana college. “Indiana, our Indiana, Indiana we’re all for you,” could often be heard coming from his television as he was a die hard Hoosier fan. He loved watching movies; The Searchers, Shenandoah, Gone With the Wind, and any John Wayne film were among his favorites. Carl collected hat pins and key chains and showed his patriotic side when he traveled all around the county for his Air Force reunions.

Carl was a gentle man and nothing ruffled his feathers; he took everything in stride during his life, both the good and the bad. He proudly served his country which he held so dear and wasn’t afraid to show his softer side when it came to those he loved. Carl was one of those special people whose memory will be forever connected to the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Carl E. Watts of Plainwell, MI died on November 21, 2008 at Life Care Center. Carl’s family includes his wife Doris, his children and their spouses Patricia (James) Ferguson, Wayne (Maria) Watts, Douglas Watts, Deloris Watts, his grandchildren Jefferson Ferguson, Amy Hamilton, Jon Horton, Gary Horton, Wayne Ryan Watts, Sara Cook, his great-grandchildren Jefferson II, Jimmy, Davy, Kris, Kody, and Ashleigh, and his nephew Larry Gibson. Visit with Carl’s family and friends, view his life story film and share light refreshments on Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 S. Woodhams (685-5881). A Funeral will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Please visit Carl’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, archive a memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to the In House Hospice, Westwood Church of God, or VFW Post 3030.