Eric Lee Watts

Eric Lee Watts was born Wednesday, August 16, 1967, in Ottawa, Kansas. He was the youngest child of Arlie Keith Watts, Sr. and Donna Lee (Priebe) Bitterman. Eric's family lived in Topeka and Perry before settling in the Ottawa community. His siblings referred to Eric as a member of the Last Mohicans - to see an individual for what they bring to a community their culture, values, and way of life.

He was a graduate from Ottawa High School with the class of 1986. He exceled academically with High Honor Roll status all 4 years. His activities included Track for his Sophomore and Junior year, VoTec (Building Trades) for Junior and Senior year, and Leadership Conference Senior year. Following high school Eric attended Neosho Community College.

Eric loved animals. In his younger years, he owned several horses that he enjoyed caring for and riding, he also shared this with his family. He later found affection and companionship with his Scotties; Fergie, Abigail, Mackenzy, and Elliott. “Animals give us love, trust, unwavering friendship and so much more while asking for so little in return”

Eric’s other interests included older movies, such as James Bond and westerns, especially with John Wayne. He enjoyed going to antique tractor shows and tractor pulls, as well as traveling to Colorado for fishing and exploring.

Eric worked briefly for Ottawa Cooperative Association (Co-op) before transitioning in 1988 to his prestigious 36 year long career with Hallmark Cards at the Lawrence Greetings Production Center as an operator. Although his main career was at Hallmark, Eric also worked with his father’s business, Watts Bulk Transportation, by helping with truck servicing and transporting. In 2004, Eric started his own business, Watts Lawn Service and has successfully operated for 10+ years by following the simple values of “treat people the way you want to be treated” and “treat it like it was your own”.

On June 4th, 1986, Eric married Nancy Shepheard at Centropolis Christian Church. They briefly lived in Pomona prior to purchasing their family home in the Ottawa community to raise their two children Leiane and Alexander. After their divorce, Eric moved to the Perry community in 1998 to spend time with his children and participate in their activities. He then returned to Ottawa in 2003 where he took great enjoyment in being with his friends and family.

Eric unexpectedly passed away on Monday, January 1st, 2024 at his home in Ottawa, KS at the age of 56.

He was preceded in death by his father Arlie Watts, Sr., step-mother Ina “Leone” Watts, and step-father Thomas “Tom” Bitterman, friend Ralph Green.

Eric is survived by his mother Donna Bitterman; daughter Leiane Watts (Jesse Strawn); son Alex Watts (Skye Doty); three granddaughters; five siblings Linda Roecker (Robert), Arlie Watts, Jr. (Lisa), Monica Finch, Alan Watts, and Amy Shoemaker (Brad), and many step-siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Eric’s Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, January 28th, 2024 from 1pm to 4pm at Celebration Hall located at 1737 S Elm St (Franklin County Fairgrounds) in Ottawa, KS. The family extends an invitation to friends and co-workers to share memories and good times.

To honor Eric’s love and commitment to animals and their well-being, the family welcomes memorial contributions as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers and plants. All donations be made to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.