John Thomas Watterson

John Thomas Watterson obituary, Sedalia, MO

John Thomas Watterson

John Watterson Obituary

Visit the Rea Funeral Chapel website to view the full obituary.

Jack was born on June 14, 1950, in Phoenix, Arizona, the second son of Walter Lloyd and Olive May (Williams) Watterson.

On March 24, 1978, in Sedalia, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Linda Diann Harvey, who survives in the home. They were members of Wesley United Methodist Church in Sedalia.

Jack worked for Thompson Investment in Sedalia while also proudly owning and operating Watterson Landscaping from 1974 to the present. His passion for the outdoors and appreciation for natural beauty were reflected in both his professional life and personal hobbies. These hobbies included landscaping, silversmithing, gemstone collecting, and a diverse collection of books.

You could always find Jack in the garage listening to a baseball game; the Cardinals were his favorite. He was a history fanatic and an avid fan of The Beach Boys. He loved sharing his knowledge of landscaping with his family and made everything around him beautiful. To Jack, there was no better place on Earth than Phoenix, Arizona, and he loved to tell stories about all of the adventures he went on there. Jack loved his family deeply and found no better pastime than spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: John Bradley Watterson (Amber) of Joplin, MO; Brett Thomas Watterson (Erin) of Wichita, KS; Ryan Matthew Watterson (Brianna) of Hughesville, MO; and Sara Janelle Watterson (Shane) of Columbia, MO. He is also survived by a bonus son, Jeremy Wade Franklin (Kim) of Hughesville, MO.

He leaves behind his grandchildren: Britten Mergen (Mattie), Rylee Rogers (Jake), Carter Watterson (Madi), Kamron Gilmore, Reagan, Paige, Dillon, Hannah, Kimberly, Parker, Annabelle, and Callahan Watterson; and two bonus grandsons, Clint and Pete Franklin. He was also blessed with one great-grandson, August Mergen, and two bonus great-granddaughters, Remington and Montana Franklin.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Walter Lloyd Watterson Jr.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel. In accordance with Jack's wishes, no public service will be held.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Isla Cares islacares.org/donate or to a charity of the donor's choice in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Rea Funeral Chapel

3510 West 16th Street, Sedalia, MO 65301

Make a Donation
in John Watterson's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Watterson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more