Willis M. "Bill" Watt, 73, of Junction City, Kansas passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Valley View Senior Life Center in Junction City, Kansas.
Willis has been cremated. A celebration of life service will be held at noon, Friday, April 12, 2024 at the Welda Community Center in Welda, Kansas. His cremated remains will be buried at 2 p.m. Friday at the Welda Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to be given to Manhattan Christian College.
Willis was born December 20, 1950 in Ottawa, Kansas the son of Gerald O. and Shirley A. (Tush) Watt.Bill graduated from Abilene High School with the class of 1968. He later went to Manhattan Bible College and Kansas State University where he pursued dual degrees. He entered the United States Army and served three years. During his time in the Army, he was a nuclear weapons specialist. After his honorable discharge, he completed his dual degrees and continued with furthering his education receiving a master's degree and doctorate degree. Bill spent his life working as a college educator and administrator serving Kansas State University, Iowa State University, Fort Hays State University, Manhattan Christian College and Methodist University in North Carolina. During his entire time as an educator and administrator, he served as a pastor at multiple churches throughout Kansas, Nebraska and North Carolina. During his time at Fort Hays State University he coached the debate team that won a national title.Bill was an avid Kansas State University fan. He also enjoyed theatre and published poetry. He enjoyed playing racquetball and won several trophies. He also enjoyed Nascar racing. On February 14, 1970 he married Katherine A. Young in Abilene, Kansas.
Survivors include his wife Katherine Watt of Junction City, Kansas; one son, Derek Watt of Milledgeville, Georgia; four grandsons, Chrystopher, Sean, Brendan and Garrett; three brothers, Steve, Kim and Don; two sisters, Cheryl and Annette; foster siblings, Judy and David; many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and a host of other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his foster parents Dennis and Joy Johnson.