Lost another one to the Crappie Master in the Sky
DECATUR — Walter Lee Watts, Jr., 90, of Decatur, IL passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, IL Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10:00 am at St. James Catholic Church in Decatur. with Fr. John Burnette, officiant. Visitation will be on Friday, December 6 from 6-8:00pm at the Brint-linger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur with a prayer service at 5:30pm.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Salvation Army, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or Catholic Charities.
Walter was born January 23, 1923 in Hammond, LA the son of Walter L., Sr. and Anna Gladys (Saint) Watts. He married Frances P. Swenny in March, 1945; she preceded him in death. Walter then married Edith Mose on March 7, 2002 in Tavares, FL.
Walter served in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the U.S.S. DuPage APA-41, in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Philippines. His ship was attacked by Japanese kamikaze planes. Walter worked as a switchman for the Wabash R.R. and later a professional fishing guide, working from Lithia Springs Marina on Lake Shelbyville for 38 years (1972-2010). He was the founder of the Christmas Tree Project with the Corps of Engineers for Crappie Habitat; he broadcast weekly fishing reports for the local radio and television stations, also including Chicago and St. Louis. He conducted fishing seminars all over the Midwest and New Orleans.
He was awarded the Outstanding Volunteers Award in 1997 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Walter is a World Record Holder and inducted into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. He and his brother Art were aboard one of the WWII Honor Flights to D.C., accompanied by their sons, in 2011.
Walter was a member of the Sts. James & Patrick Parish in Decatur, IL.
Surviving are his wife Edith; three children, son, David (wife, Patricia) Watts, daughter Carolyn Wallen (husband, Dan), son, Michael A. (wife, Autumn) all of Decatur, IL. One sister, Mary Margaret Burris of Franklinton, LA; two brothers, C.A. (wife, Rose) Watts of Decatur, IL, and Charles (wife, Delores) Watts of Bogalusa, LA. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Frances, son Walter “Wally” Watts III, one brother and two sisters.
Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlinger andearl.com
Obituary written by family members.
I know he's in a better place now. He fishen in a spot that none of us have tried yet. But we will all join him in that peaceful spot one day... rest in peace Walter.
