Tony Gene Watts

May 11, 1946 - September 24, 2017

Tony Gene Watts, formerly of Hamilton, died on Sunday, September 24, 2017 at the Eureka Nursing Center, in Eureka, at the age of 71. He was born on May 11, 1946, in Quincy, the son of Norman and Pauline (Grider) Watts. He was raised in the Hamilton\Quincy area attending local schools. He graduated from the Hamilton High School. In 1964, Tony was united in marriage to Jane Martin in Madison. To this union, two children were born. This marriage later ended in divorce. Tony raised animals including cattle and pigs. He was a welder for Didde Graphics for over thirty years. He was always a hard worker, only retiring when he was forced to by his health. In 1983, Tony was united in marriage to Patricia Judd in Emporia. She preceded him in death on January 7, 2007. He is survived by one son, Mark and wife, Sue Watts of Madison; three step-children, Linda Poole of Mobile, Alabama; Theresa Barb of Lebo, Kansas; and David and wife, Lesa Barb of Independence, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Pat Hays of New Mexico; Leta Harrell of Nebraska; and Jackie Pierce of Sublette, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his wife; son, Matt; one grandchild, Robert Poole; brothers, Danny Watts and Galen Watts. Celebration of life will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., Sunday, October 29, 2017 at the Sauder Community Center, in Madison. Cremation has been effected. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to the Eureka Nursing Center. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 595, Eureka, KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online, at koupfunerals.com