Russell Wayne Watts

Russell Wayne Watts, age 94, went home to his Heavenly Father, Saturday, July 27, 2013. He was born in Brookfield, Missouri, April 30, 1919 to the late Zane L. and Pearl (Phillips) Watts. Russ graduated from Sunbury High School, Sunbury, Ohio. After moving at least 19 times in his youth, he wanted his girls to be raised in one home; he succeeded. As an Army veteran of World War II, he made amphibious landings on both Leyte and Okinawa as part of the 96th Infantry "Deadeye" Division. He served in the Army Reserve for 20 years, retiring as Major in 1979. In his civilian career he was a plumbing contractor, retiring in 1984 as VP of J.A. Myers Plumbing and Heating Co. after more than 32 years of service. He was preceded in death by his beloved and loving wife, Josephine "Jo", with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. Together they left a wonderful legacy of love of family, honor and hard work. He also was preceded in death by his brother, Melvin Watts, brother-in-law, Claude Fuller, and son-in-law David W. Schumaker. Russ was a life member and past president of the 96th Infantry "Deadeyes" Association. He also founded the Ohio "Buckeye" Chapter of the 96th Association. A member of St. Luke Lutheran Church on Norwich Ave. for 42 years; he more recently was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church on Morse Rd. since 1989. He belonged to F.A.and M. Lodge #595, Scottish Rite and Aladdin Temple Shrine and was a life member of the Retired Officers Association, N.R.A., Rifle and Pistol Association and past president of M.O.A.A. He is survived by daughters, Rebecca Schumaker of San Antonio, TX, and Rachel (Stephen) Mushrush of Columbus, OH; grandchildren Kristina (Chip) Macon of D'Hanis, TX, Scott (Tiffanie DeBartolo) Schumaker of Mill Valley, CA, Julie (Mike Kay) Schumaker of Louisville, CO, Michael (Karen Carver) Mushrush of Columbus, and Christopher Mushrush of Portland, OR; great-grandchildren, Jake, Tye, and Grace Macon of D'Hanis, TX and Cami Louthen of Somerset, KY. Also survived by sisters and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Jacque Tilley and Jackie Fuller, and sister-in-law, Wilma Watts, as well as several nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends Thursday from 5-7 PM at Schoedinger North Chapel, 5554 Karl Rd. Celebration of Life service will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1479 Morse Rd. on Friday at 11 AM with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM, Pastor Tim Muller officiating. Interment will follow in Cheshire Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ascension Lutheran Church or the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Online condolences may be made to www.schoedinger.com