Clarence A. Watts, 91, died Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at home surrounded by loved ones.
Born on July 23, 1923 in Prairie City, Illinois, his family moved to Colorado Springs in 1927. Clarence attended schools locally and graduated from Colorado Springs High School (Palmer High School) in 1941.
Clarence and Ella Belle (Flake) Watts were married on May 1, 1944 and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
Clarence served in the US Army during World War 2 from 1943-1946.
After 35 years with the US Postal Service, he was able to enjoy his favorite role in life – retirement.
Clarence and Ella Belle loved traveling and enjoyed their winter home in Texas for over 30 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman well into his 70’s. He loved Colorado and spent much of his life enjoying the outdoors. He was always up for a good game, of any kind, especially winning! He was always ready with a joke and a good story! Clarence was passionate about sports as well and was one of the biggest fans of the Broncos, Rockies and Sky Sox.
Clarence was active in his church and served in many capacities over the years.
His biggest love and pleasure in life was his wife, Ella Belle, and the family they created. Clarence was a kind, loving and patient husband and father. His wise counsel, unconditional love and all those hugs and kisses will be missed by his loved ones. He was so proud of his family and never missed an opportunity to be together.
Clarence was preceded in death by his two sisters, Vesper Bauer and Jo Lee; and 2 nieces. He is survived by his loving wife and their children: Nancy Cooper (Ed), and Charles “Charlie” Watts (Karen); his grandchildren who loved him dearly: Wayne (Kimmy) Curtis, Kevin (Mindy) Curtis, Jeff (Cathy) Watts, Nalisa (Chris) Pouliot, Tricia (Toby) Burley, Molly (Craig) Klenovich, Tyler (Heather) Watts, Rhonda (Chris) Hayes, Michael (Gillian) Watts, Michelle Watts, and Taylor Rowe. His greatest pleasure in life were his great-grandchildren: Amanda (James), Randy (Courtney), Erica, Kylie, Morgan, Cody, Travis, Lauren, Adam, Tyler, Cheyenne, Zach, Sarah, Nathan, Alexis, Jackson, and Parker.
He was especially proud to be called great-great-grandpa to Jillynn and Paityn.
A visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2015 at Calvary United Methodist Church. Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Saturday, January 17, 2015.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Calvary United Methodist Church, 4210 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 or to Life Choice Hospice, 655 Southpointe Court, Suite 201, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.