John Stewart "Jack" Watt

1923 - 2013

Watt John Stewart "Jack" Watt, died peacefully on October 19, 2013. He was born June 24, 1923 in Akron, Ohio. From that day forward, he would be known to all as "Jack". Jack grew up in the Firestone Park of Akron and graduated from Garfield High School. He attended the University of Akron until he was called up to Officers Training in March of 1944. It was at this time that he married his high school sweetheart and lifelong love, Gwen. At the end of WWII, he was stationed in Japan for a year as part of occupational forces. Upon his return, he completed, his Bachelor's degree from the University of Akron. He then earned his Master's degree and Doctorate at the University of Akron. Jack taught at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa and Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois before returning to the University of Akron as an associate professor in the Dept. of Education. In the years to follow, Jack would hold many positions including Dean of the College of Education and Vice President of Academic and Provost. Dr. Watt served on the Board of Education of Akron Public Schools for seventeen, three of those years as president. He was also a member of the Ohio School Board Association. During the 1960's he enjoyed directing the choir at Fairlawn Community Church and holding the position of Moderator for two years. Jack loved music and was an avid reader his entire life. He also loved gardening. Planning and carrying out family vacations was a yearly event. He continued to plan trips abroad for himself and Gwen. He liked to play tennis with the family. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Gladys Watt and wife Gwendolyn. He is survived by daughters, Deborah Burk and Jennifer Mattes; grandchildren, Keith Burk (Maureen), LeeAnn Mattes, Ryan Burk (Anne and son, Brennin), Michael Mattes; and great grandson, Gavin Burk. The family wishes to offer extreme gratitude to caregivers Darlene, Mary Rose, Sara and Kay who went above and beyond to maximize and enrich the quality of his final years. Service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, October 26 at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Akron, OH 44333 with Rev. Becki Bowan-Verbridge officiating. Inurnment at Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home from 12Noon-2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence, Light a Candle or Send Flowers, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)