Rev. Watis Harrell

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- The Rev. Watis R. Harrell, 95, of Chaffee passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born May 21, 1919, in Brownwood, Missouri, to Jesse Campbell and Mary Crismore Harrell. He and Jean Moore were married July 17, 1952.

Watis served in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War.

He was a conductor with Frisco Railroad and was promoted to general chairman for brakemen and conductors. He retired from the railroad in 1979. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Chaffee. He became an ordained minister in 1940. Watis was an intern pastor for several churches with his true ministry calling being to visit the sick at hospitals and nursing homes.

Survivors include his wife, Jean; a son, Fred (Pam) Harrell of Jackson; four daughters, Velma Wachter of St. Clair, Missouri, June Simmons of Oran, Missouri, Rosetta Kinder of Chaffee and Sandra (Fred) Mauer of Mount Vernon, Illinois; a brother, Ted Harrell of Kansas City, Missouri; two sisters, Bertie Camren of Advance, Missouri, and Elvonda Beal of Arab, Missouri; 18 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

He was also preceded in death by two sons, three brothers and three sisters.

Friends may call after 5 p.m. today at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Rev. Randy Morse officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau, with full military honors presented by Missouri Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be made at amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.