L. Watts

Lester Dariel Watts said his final goodbye to family and friends on Wednesday, July 21, 2010. Dariel is preceded in death by his wife of almost 50 years, Donna Dawson Watts. Dariel was a man of great passions. Passions about life. Passions about his family. He did everything with zeal whether it was dancing or singing songs or telling stories. His eyes sparkled and his laugh was infectious. He was always on the ready with a quick joke or funny comment. He loved life and he loved the people in his life very much. He was born in Frontenac, KS on February 16, 1927 to Frank and Hazel (Gray) Watts. He graduated from Girard High School and immediately after graduation, enlisted in the Merchant Marines. He was in the Sea of Japan when the war ended. He was granted an honorable discharge and he returned home where he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Dawson. They moved to Independence, MO where they spent the next 40+ years raising a family. Dariel and Donna had a variety of ways to support their growing family from a drive-in restaurant to a construction business but it was ultimately sales where Dariel found his true calling. He loved talking with people and they responded to him in kind. He was a salesman for Sears, Allstate, Motorola, Zenith, RCA, Nelkin-Paper, just to name a few. In his later years, Dariel realized he could sell his own products and have his freedom and independence. He truly could sell ice to an Eskimo. Dariel was a Master’s Mason at the Independence Lodge #76 where he had been a member for over 50 years. He was a 32nd degree Shriner and a member of the Ararat Shrine Temple in Kansas City. He was a lifelong member of Northern Boulevard United Methodist Church. Dariel will be missed and loved by many, many people. But he lives on in the smile of a grandchild, a laugh of a son or the wistful dreams of a daughter. These are the people that grieve his loss but are so grateful for his life. They include his sister and brother-in-law Helen and Lee Bevins; brother Dean Watts; his children Cheryl and Chuck Bowers, Dr. Diana Watts and Leen Solleveld, Debra Watts McCormick, James and Karen Watts, Dr. Larry and Tamara Watts, Lori and Frank Hirons. He leaves behind 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington. Visitation will be 6-8:00 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2010 in the chapel. Burial in Johnson County Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Kansas City Hospice or the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.