Bowen E. "Skip" Watts

ROCHESTER - Bowen E. "Skip" Watts, 64, of Rochester passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, after a valiant yearlong struggle with leukemia. He had his loving wife, Carol, of 38 years by his side along with his sons, Sean and Collin. Skip was proud that Sean has become a strong leader for Watts Copy Systems and has created GPS Technologies and that Collin intends to continue the family business upon graduation from Florida State University.

Skip was born in Springfield, Illinois on April 24, 1944, the son of Bowen and Wilma Watts. The family moved to DuQuoin, Illinois as Skip was entering grade school and remained there until Skip was a junior in high school when they again returned to Springfield. He graduated from Lanphier High School in 1962. He got his Associate's Degree from Springfield College of Illinois. He continued his education at Illinois College in Jacksonville where he got a Bachelor's Degree in History. While at Illinois College he excelled on the debate team and was a proud member of the Phi Alpha Literary Society as well as sung in a barbershop quartet.

Upon graduation he worked in Chicago for Hawkeye Insurance as well as ten years with the Donnelly Yellow Pages of Springfield, Illinois. In 1971 Skip wed the love of his life, Carol Schmalshof. In 1981, with little money and high expectations for excellence, Skip and Carol founded Watts Copy Systems out of the basement of their home. Watts Copy Systems would expand to have ten locations throughout Illinois. Watts Copy Systems has been widely regarded and recognized as one of the elite copier dealers throughout the United States by not only Sharp Corporation but is also respected by the Copier Industry. Watts Copy System's success has been built upon the foundations of perseverance, integrity, and the belief that "service is more than a promise."

Skip was always a very dynamic member in his community. Skip held onto a strong ideal that one's personal worth is based upon how much you touch another person's life. He was the President of the Rochester Education Foundation, on the board of directors at SPARC, a board member at Springfield College of Illinois-Benedictine College, and a 32nd degree Mason. He was an active supporter of Rochester Schools as well as helped to contribute to the Rochester Football program and aided in the construction of a new football field. Locally he contributed to Illinois College and Lincoln Land College. He exemplified his strong love of education and athletics through support at Eastern Illinois University, Florida State University, Quincy University, Millikin University, and Western Illinois University. Together with his wife Carol they fulfilled their passion for helping others by supporting many nonprofit charities such as Contact Ministries where he was a major sponsor of the Annual Ray L. Wright Golf Outing. Along with Sojourns Shelter and Services, P.O.R.T.A, Camp Care A lot, YWCA. (SSU sponsorships)

Skip truly had an exuberance for life. He and his family traveled throughout the world and experienced memorable trips throughout Europe, South America, Ireland, Russia, Australia, Japan, Alaska, Thailand, and down the Nile and Rhine Rivers among others. One of Skip's favorite things to do was spend time in Arizona and Cancun with family and close friends. He pursued his passion for the arts by becoming a docent for the Springfield Art Association, a member of Art Outreach for Central Illinois School Systems, and helped sponsor numerous performances at Sangamon State Auditorium. He also contributed to the new Rochester Auditorium. Following semi-retirement, Skip enjoyed framing his wife's artwork, sports memorabilia, and collectibles. This turned into "Watts in a Frame" which often donated many works to local charity auctions.

Skip is survived by his wife, Carol; sons, Sean (wife, Tara) and Collin; grandchildren, Keianna, Bowen Hunter, and Camden Collin Watts; brother, Alan (wife, Mary Beth); sisters, Judy Watts, and Bonnie Wright; mother-in-law, Carrie Askew; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bowen Watts and Wilma Summersgill; brother-in-law, Ray Wright; and father-in-law George Schmalshof.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2009, at Calvary Temple, 1730 W. Jefferson, Springfield.

Funeral ceremonies will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2009, at Calvary Temple with Rev. Mark Johnson and Rev. Paul Rose officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Masonic Rites will be provided at the gravesite by St. Paul's Lodge #500 AF&AM.

Memorial contributions can be made to Contact Ministries, 1100 East Adams, Springfield, IL 62703 or Central Illinois Food bank, 2000 East Moffat Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702.

The family of Bowen E. "Skip" Watts is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Please visit Skip's online life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.