Ewell Dean Watts

Ewell Dean Watts, age 90, of Marion, Illinois, passed away November 10, 2025.

Dean was born March 25, 1935, in Tishomingo, Mississippi, son of Jacob and Fronie Watts. He was married to Norma (Owens) from July 1956 - until her passing, May 2008. Dean grew up in the Forest Grove Community of Tishomingo County MS. Their family moved to the Mississippi Delta (late 1940’s) where he worked on sharecropper fields, until the mid 1950’s when Chicago, IL had increased job opportunities. During this time, he met his bride, Norma, and made the Chicago area their home for 15 years, where he worked and retired from General Motors, then employed at his brother Lotha’s Service Station, before settling in Marion, IL. In Marion, together they owned and operated a successful cattle farm, and Norma provided nursing services. Dean was devoted to his family, opening his home during guests and family visits, and keeping with the traditions of his annual childhood church reunions and family grave decorations. He enjoyed: listening to the Grande Ole Opry, watching western classic films, his farm animals, dance socials, sightseeing and his lifelong hobby of farm projects. He’s a devoted Christian and church member, and never really conventionally retired, as he was very humble and enjoyed his place in life.

Dean is survived by numerous nephews and nieces; stepson Bill Maddox; stepdaughter-in-law Patricia L. Maddox (Larry); step-grandchildren, Sherri, Donna and Felecia; and step great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Norma Watts; parents Jacob and Fronie Watts; brothers Herbert, Bernice, and Lotha; sisters Bobby, Samantha and Elzina; stepchildren Larry and Sandra, and step granddaughter, Jennifer.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross.  Private burial will take place at Rosehill Cemetery in Marion.  

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