July 19, 1948 — Jan. 7, 2015

Ronald Lee Wattles, 66, of Dowagiac, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015 at his home.

A celebration of life service will be held at noon on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at Clark Chapel and Cremation Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, with Father Kevin Covert officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Friends may visit Thursday, January 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Clark Chapel. Memorials may be made to the family in care of his son, Lee Wattles. Those wishing to share a memory of Ronald online may do so at www.clarkch.com.

Ronald was born July 19, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to Walter and Lottie (Zall) Wattles. He attended high school in Valparaiso, Indiana., graduating in 1966. Ronald married his beloved wife Patricia (Augusta) on Feb. 14, 1975 at the Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Dowagiac. He worked for Contech for over 20 years and retired from Express-1 in 2006. Ronald proudly served in the United States Navy during Vietnam. He was a member of the Dowagiac VFW Post 1855. Ronald enjoyed sports, especially the Chicago Bears and White Sox. After retirement, he enjoyed cooking and being with his family. Ronald was known to be a great family man, always there with a helping hand or to lighten the mood with a funny story or practical joke.

Ronald’s loving family includes his son Lee (Ashlie) Wattles of Berrien Springs; grandchildren, Addison and Jackson; sister, Marlene (Lou) Mack of Largo, Florida.; sisters-in-law, Judy Augusta and Margaret Rapp. His wife, his parents and a brother-in-law Daniel Rapp preceded him in death.