Mr. Watters worked as an insurance broker for Pufalt-Pauley Insurance Agency in Belleville and was a partner in Insurance Planning and Management in Freeburg, IL, until his retirement in 2009. He had formerly worked as circulation manager for the Metro-East Journal newspaper and for the Peoria Journal Star. He was owner and operator of the former Sweet Lucy’s Tavern. He and wife Bonnie were partners in Starr Video Center, and they owned and operated Watters Trading Post.
Mr. Watters had served as mayor of the Village of Freeburg for two terms, from 1997 to 2005, and as Village Trustee for 10 years. As mayor, he was instrumental in getting the Freeburg Shopping Center into the community. He was an active member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Freeburg, where he also served on the church council. He was actively involved in the Freeburg Chamber of Commerce for more than 30 years, during which he served on many committees and three terms as president. He was a member of Freeburg Masonic Lodge No. 418 since 1984 and the Ainad Shriners and Scottish Rite Bodies of Southern Illinois since 1985. He was also a past president and board member of the Elmwood Cemetery Care Association of Freeburg.
Al had previously served as village clerk for the City of Waterloo, IL, where he lived with his first wife and family for many years. He and his second wife, Bonnie, co-chaired the Freeburg Homecoming for 23 years. Since his retirement, Al had more time to enjoy his family, boating, fishing, and reading.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 25 years, Doris, nee Pflueger, Watters; his mother, Edna, nee Porter, McLean of East St. Louis, IL; his father and step-mother, Claud and Katie, nee Boyles, Watters of Burksville, IL; a brother, Ronald Watters of Columbia, IL; and good friends, Paul Stone and Karla Thies, both of Freeburg, IL.
Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Bonnie L., nee Glass, McClure Watters, whom he married on July 13, 1985, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL;
his four sons, Russell (Irene) Watters of Columbia, IL,
David (Mary Lou) Watters of Sacramento, CA,
Bryan (Denise) Watters of Millstadt, IL,
and Aaron Watters of Trimble, TN;
three step-children, Steve McClure of Freeburg, IL,
Brenda McClure of St. Peters, MO,
and Michael McClure of Millstadt, IL;
seven grandchildren, Jacob (Brandi) Watters, Jamie Watters, Rebekah Watters,
Seth Watters, Jonathan Watters, Brent Watters, and Crystal Watters;
six step-grandchildren, Danielle Donahue, Steven McClure II,
Sabrina McClure (fiancé, Broc Hindman), Shaun McClure,
William McClure, and Bryce McClure;
seven great-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren;
two brothers, Albert (Theresa) Watters of Fults, IL,
and Claud (Ann) Watters of Red Bud, IL;
a sister, Mary Sue Hudson of Ellis Grove, IL;
three brothers-in-law, Donnie Glass of Poplar Bluff, MO,
Ronnie (Barbara) Glass of Belleville, IL,
and Bobbie (Patti) Glass of Glen Carbon, IL;
a sister-in-law, Tammie (Rodney) Thomas of Cahokia, IL;
many nieces and nephews;
and many, many friends.
Memorials may be made to the Elmwood Cemetery Care Association or to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, November 1, 2015, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Freeburg, IL, and from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, November 2, 2015, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL. A Freeburg Masonic Ritual will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 2, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL, with Rev. Earl Crecelius officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Freeburg, IL.
Condolences Left For Allen Watters
Sorry to hear about Watters family loss. I remember Doris and Allen fondly when the family lived in Waterloo.
Mar Schoenborn Mosir, Waterloo, Illinois, 62298
Bonnie, Please accept my sympathy. Al was a valuable asset to Freeburg. I’ve known him since 1965. His son Russell was in my math class in Waterloo, Il in 1965. The Village of Freeburg was enhanced during his administration. God be with you. Roger
Roger, Freeburg, il, 62243
Bonnie and family, Linda and I extend our condolences on the passing of Al. He was an active promoter of Freeburg Business and served his community exceptionally well. He will be missed.
Richard Sanders, Freeburg, Illinois, 62243