Darrell Watts

Darrell Nathan Watts, 72, of Zion, passed away at home on Thursday, January 9, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer; his family at his bedside. He was born March 31, 1941, in Monticello, Arkansas, to William and Dorothy Watts. Darrell attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello; Ouchita College of Arkadelphia, Arkansas and the Lake Forest School of Management in Lake Forest, IL. He served as a Communication Specialist in the Signal Corp Branch of the U.S. Army at 5th Army Headquarters, Fort Sheridan, IL. Darrell was also responsible for setting up and staffing the Communication School at Fort McCoy, WI. He retired as a Tool and Die Supervisor after 33 years of employment at OMC Johnson Motors in Waukegan, IL. Darrell's hobbies included hunting and fishing, restoring and building cars. He was an avid reader and took pride in working in his yard. Darrell's greatest joys in life were his wife, two daughters, and above all his five grandchildren. Darrell is survived by his wife, Pearl of 44 years; two daughters, Deanne (Todd) Johnson and Lisa (Jonathan) Rickert; five grandchildren, Paige, Lindsay, and Sydney Johnson; and Evan and Adam Rickert; brother, Terrell (Louise) Watts; sister, Judy Teague; other family members; and so many good friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; and sisters, Gail Pennington and Sandra Trowbridge. The family would like to thank everyone who cared for Darrell and showed their kindness through this journey of his life. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 13, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the Beach Community Church, 37283 N. Green Bay Rd., Beach Park, IL, with Pastor Karen Brown, officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion. Friends may greet the family on Monday, from 10: 00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Memorial donations are suggested to Cory's Project, 2700 4th St., Winthrop Harbor, IL 60096 or to the Sgt. John M. Penich Memorial, 38068 DeWoody, Beach Park, IL 60087.