John C. Watts, 92, Was Painter and Craftsman

John C. Watts of Big Sandy, Tenn., and formerly of Cape Elizabeth, Me., died March 10 at the Stottdale Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Big Sandy. He was 92 years old.

Mr. Watts was born in Shepperton, England, to John Arthur and Georgina Watts on March 20, 1913. He was raised in Shepperton until immigrating to Thomaston, Me., in December 1952 and settling in Cape Elizabeth in 1953.

He served in the British military for 13 years and was one of the original desert rats in World War II, fighting General Rommel in the Sahara. He retired as a lance corporal and tank commander.

Mr. Watts worked as a painter and decorator for Logan Paint in Portland, Me., for 30 years, retiring in 1975. He was a very talented craftsman. He enjoyed woodcarving and very detailed finish carpentry and painting animal scenes. He was also an active square dancer.

Mr. Watts is survived by his two sons, Paul Watts of Vineyard Haven and Martin Watts of Otisfield, Me., four grandchildren, four-great grandchildren and his former wife, Joyce Watts, of Oak Bluffs.

Services will be private and Mr. Watts will be interred in a military cemetery in Big Sandy, Tenn.