John E. Watt

Left Formation March 24, 2015

From the 95th BG Memorials Foundation Facebook page:

With heavy hearts, the Memorials Foundation and the Heritage Association announce that John E. Watt of Sun River in St. George, UT, left formation on 24 March 2015 at the age of 90. John was a 335th bombardier and a member of (Ken) Melvin’s Moonshiners. Folded wings.

As Mr. Watt’s obituary reads,

“John was born in Cleveland, Ohio and attended Shaw High School, where he excelled at baseball and basketball, in addition to his academic studies.

“He was exceptionally proud of his military service with the Army Air Corps during World War II. Enlisting at age 18, he trained as a bombardier/navigator and flew many European missions, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross at the age of 20, and the rank of captain a few years later.

“Returning from the war, John pursued his education at Purdue University, where he graduated with a degree in air transportation engineering. His interests led him to General Electric, where he was employed for his full 37 year professional career. At GE, he was tasked with finding and hiring quality personnel for the fast growing Missile and Space Vehicle Division in the Valley Forge, PA area. GE could be proud that John was intent on employing a diverse workforce.

“He had a great deal of patience, and spent countless hours fishing. His ability to communicate with animals was marvelous to see. He hand fed chipmunks, squirrels, birds, fox, and in Sun River, the local roadrunners.

“John was preceded in death by his best friend/companion/wife of 35 years, Alice Lyons. His survivors include daughters Janice Heller of St George and Jennifer Pyle of Elkton, MD, a son, Christopher Watt of Concord, CA, ‘adopted daughter’ Patt Kinner of St George, two granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.

“All will miss his insightfulness, strong character, and fierce independence.