Robert C. Watt, Sr., age 91, passed away peacefully in his home on July 3, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Born on July 28, 1931, Robert was the oldest child of Donald William Watt and Ruth Pearl Patek.  He was a lifelong resident of Collinsville, attending Jefferson School, Webster School, and Collinsville Township High School where he enjoyed playing the coronet in the school band.  After graduating high school, he served with the Army in the Korean Conflict.  He then attended school to learn the carpenter trade, which he proudly passed along to his three sons. He was a member of Carpenters Union Local #295.

Robert married Audrey J. Sepmeyer on May 11, 1957.  They were married for 66 years.  Robert and Audrey had five children, 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.  They belong to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville.

"Pop", as lovingly called by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, relished any time spent with his family.  He so enjoyed traveling with his young family across the country in his pop-up Steury camper.  He later took numerous trips with children and grandchildren.  He was a constant spectator at the many sporting events of his children and grandchildren.  He never turned down the chance to "taxi" them to school, social, and sporting events.  His kind, caring and generous nature will be greatly missed by family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Lane.

Surviving are his loving wife, Audrey Jean Watt; three sons:  Ronald  (Kim) Watt, Randall (Patty) Watt, and Robert  (Helen) Watt, Jr.; two daughters:  Susan (Phillip) Merkle and Peggy (Donald) Kerkemeyer; 11 grandchildren:  Michael Watt, Ronald Watt Jr., Craig Merkle, Scott Merkle, Matthew Kerkemeyer, Courtney Dublar, Andrew Watt, Dustin Watt, Nicholas Watt, Katherine Watt and Eric Watt; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald Watt; a niece and a nephew.

Visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, and from 11am to 1pm on Thursday, July 6.

Funeral service will be at 1pm on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at the funeral home with Rev. Dale Skeesick officiating.  Private burial will be held at St. John Cemetery in Collinsville.

Memorials are suggested to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Shriners Children's Hospital and will be received at the funeral home.