Lawrence “Larry” Otis Watts, age 83 of rural Smithboro, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family Friday morning, August 15, 2025.
Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Donnell–Wiegand Funeral Home in Greenville. Interment will follow in Waverly East Cemetery in Waverly, Illinois. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Donnell–Wiegand Funeral Home. Memorials are to the family.
Lawrence Otis, the son of William Otis “Larry” and Iva May (Fair) Watts, was born April 30, 1942, in Beardstown, Illinois. He attended the local schools and graduated from Waverly High School. Larry was a schoolteacher teaching industrial arts at the Mulberry Grove High School for over 10 years. His love for woodworking led him to open up his own business, House of Wood, where he enjoyed building, stripping and finishing furniture. He ran his business for over 20 years. He and his wife were avid collectors and enjoyed going to auctions and finding treasures together.
Larry worked for the United States Post Office in Smithboro, Illinois. He was the Post-Master Relief and enjoyed working there for many years. Long time dedicated Smithboro Volunteer Fire Fighter of 40 years. Larry and Janet were both trustee officers for the fire department.
Larry and Janet Eileen Sims were united in marriage on August 14, 1966, at the Ashgrove Church in Windsor, Illinois. They just celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. They had two sons, both survive, Jeffery O. Watts of Carlyle, Illinois and Lawrence “Larry” Watts and wife JoNell of Mulberry Grove, Illinois. Loving grandfather of two: Hayley Watts (and boyfriend Tyler Gwillim) and Justin Dunnagan.
He was an only child growing up but have several cousins and dear friends he leaves behind.
Donnell–Wiegand Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Online condolences and memorials to the family may be made online www.donnellwiegand.com.