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Kevin Watts Obituary
1950 - 2020
Kevin Lee Watts, age 69, of Pataskala, OH, passed away September 10, 2020. He was born October 16, 1950 in Perry County to the late Joseph and Kay Watts. He spent the first eighteen years of his life growing up in Appalachia, between Crooksville and Lancaster, Ohio. He graduated from Lancaster High School in 1968. At the age of eighteen, Watts enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War era. He began his fire service career as a volunteer with Greenfield Township Fire Department and moved to Lancaster Fire Department in 1980. He served as Local Union President, Fire/EMS Instructor, Inspector and Investigator, promoting through the ranks and retiring in 2001 with the rank of Captain. Additionally, he served six years as President of the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters Union (OAPFF) and as a labor negotiator, arbitrator, lobbyist, and board member of many nonprofits, as well as serving on the board of the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund. He has been a life-long political activist, serving as campaign manager for many national, statewide and local campaigns. He was also the political director for the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus, and has served on boards and in positions under the Celeste, Taft and Strickland Administrations. Under the Strickland Administration, he was appointed as Interim State Fire Marshal. He earned a B.S. degree in history from Antioch College, through the George Meany Labor Institute and did undergraduate work at Ohio State University. He was an accomplished author and wrote several books. He also enjoyed Western Horseback Riding and competed in several cutting events. Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Andrea Watts; daughter, Kara Leslie (Brad Sells) Watts; son, Kevin Joseph "KJ" (Maureen Kocot) Watts; grandchildren, Ava, Evan, Elsa, Kennedy, Karenna, Kalissa, Konnoly, Katlyne, Kallob, Morgan and Colin; two brothers, Chuck (Heidi) Watts and Jeff (Monica) Watts; lifelong friend, Roy Youst; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, Pickerington, OH. Donations may be made in his name to the American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be found at www.spencefuneralhome.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Watts
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
Susan and Mick Kistler
September 6, 2023
Easy to remember Kevin .... he touched Mick and I's life in a very good way.
Thinking of you Andi and the family. Take care.
Bob & Judy Conrad
September 5, 2023
Always had fun when Kevin was around.
L. L.
September 5, 2022
Thinking of Kevin Watts on this Labor Day.
Reading his obituary influenced me to purchase his book which I thoroughly enjoyed.
May his legacy continue through his family and his writing.
Robert Conrad
September 6, 2021
I met Kevin when we were both 15 and we both got hired to paint the inside of a dairy barn. It was a hot & sweaty job but we made it fun, untill the herd came running in and almost knocked us off the ladders! We were never best friends, but when we did get together we always had great times and memories. We both loved his book ! Can't wait till Andrea edits Kevins other works and publishes them.
.
Judy Conrad
September 16, 2020
Really good person whom I wish we could've had more time to get to know him and Andrea better..our hearts ache for his family..and will be in our prayers.May God be with you all in this time, so truly sorry...Judy and Bob Conrad
John A.
September 14, 2020
While I will miss him, he will live on in each of us who heard him stand up in meetings to argue for workers rights. He set a high standard for others to live up to. I am grateful for his time in my life.
Deepest sympathy to his family
Susie Bloom
September 13, 2020
Andi and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Kevin's passing. His light shown brightly during his life and will continue to shine in all of you. May God give you comfort and peace as you mourn.
David Wilhelm
September 13, 2020
Appalachian Ohio has lost a giant.
Sherry Stahly Magnuson
September 12, 2020
We are so sorry for this tremendous loss to you and all the family. We are so very thankful to have had our brief time with Kevin. He was far too young to “leave”. However he is certainly healed NOW after so much suffering. May you know the power and the grace of the Lord’s comfort and care. And please be assured of our prayers for you. My first husband Bill died at 69 also and it is hard. Time is your ally. Kevin accomplished more in his life than so many and we praise God for all he was and did. Love to you, Ron and Sherry Magnuson. Love you “Tech Support”
Madline Galaz
September 12, 2020
I am thinking of you my friend Kevin is now resting but you are here with your loved ones. His memory will help you through this difficult time Andi. I love you ❤
Penny Withem
September 12, 2020
Condolences to Kevin's families. Kevin was my basic EMT instructor many years ago starting my EMS career. He touched so many lives. RIP Kevin. You will be missed by many.
Caleb Featheroff
September 12, 2020
Rest in peace Captain Watts! You Paved your way for young men and women for me to join the Fire service! my thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends at this difficult time! thank you for your service! thinking of you assistant chief KJ Watts!
Susan and Mick Kistler
September 12, 2020
Both my husband and Mick were honored to have known Kevin and worked with him during his years as a volunteer firefighter for Greenfield Twp. It was then I came to know his awesome wife Andi. A true couple that could demonstrate a true relationship. Kevin was always a very uplifting person and like his daughter stated, "to know him, was to love him." God got a good one for sure.
Karen & Michael Sellaroli
September 12, 2020
Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you. —Shannon Adler
Yours Kevin, will live on in your family, co-workers, and friends, and the memories you have left with them.
Kathleen Ashcraft
September 12, 2020
Dear Andrea and Family,
We are so sad to hear of Kevin's passing. He fought hard and long - with a very positive attitude and a smile most of the time. He met adversity head on and tried his best, in true Watts style. Our deepest sympathies to you all. He will be sorely missed by so many.
Love,
Kathleen and Bruce Ashcraft
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