Rufus Watts

Rufus E. Watts, 77, of Mansfield, died Sunday, September 6, 2015 at his home. Born September 23, 1937 in High Hat, KY he was the son of Albert Cecil and Juanita (Williams) Watts. Rufus retired from Artisan after 37 years and was a member of Abundant Grace Fellowship. He loved to buy, sell, and trade knives and was a member of Appleseed Knife Collectors. Rufus always had a story to tell and enjoyed music, singing, and dancing in his younger day. A good Christian man, he loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel (Cole) Watts; son, Doug E. (Barbara) Watts of Ontario; grandchildren, Zachary Alan Betts and Sarah Claire Betts of Grand Rapids, MI; sister, Sue (Leroy) Hall of Mansfield; step children, Tammy (Mike) Johnson-Booth of Mansfield and Bruce Johnson of Shelby; and numerous step grandchildren.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice Watts, daughter, Sharon Betts, one brother, and three sisters.

Friends may call Tuesday, September 8, 2015 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Ontario. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Abundant Grace Fellowship, 1080 W. Longview Ave., Mansfield with Rev. Quillie Dasher officiating. Burial will follow in Ontario Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or Autism Awareness Foundation.