Edward "Gene" Watts

Edward “Gene” Watts

1945 – 2022

 

Edward Eugene “Gene” Watts, 76, of Columbia, passed away April 24, 2022 at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics.

 

Gene was born in Boonville on October 27, 1945 a son of King Edward Watts and Orpha Mae Purvis Watts. He was a 1963 graduate of Boonville High School. He was employed with First Student as a bus driver for Columbia Public Schools and also trained new bus drivers.  Gene’s favorite activities included going to car races and karaoke.  One of his favorite songs to perform was A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation.

 

Survivors include his fiancée, Pam Paddock of Columbia; two sisters, Daisy Nowlin of Boonville and Lucinda Earlene Doyle of Marshall; two nephews, Eddie Reinbold of Boonville and Daniel Nowlin of Columbia; a niece, Marilyn Ewings of Boonville; six great nephews; four great great nieces and six great great nephews.

 

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and by a nephew, Richard Wayne Reinbold.

 

Services honoring Gene’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 29, 2022 at Markland-Yager Funeral Home in New Franklin with Rev. David Mackey officiating.  Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

 

Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in New Franklin.