Kenneth L. Watt

Age 77 of Wilmington, Illinois, formerly of Chicago, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois.

Born July 24, 1946 in Chicago, Kenneth was a son of Andrew and Evelyn (Nelson) Watt. He was raised and educated in Chicago, where he graduated from Harper High School and then attended Bogan Junior College, where he was the first president of the student body. Ken went on to enlist in the United States Army, and served honorably from 1967 until his discharge from service in 1969.

Following his military service, Ken began a 40 year career with the Chicago Police Department, covering both the 7^th and 8^th districts. During his time on the police force, he was very active in the Fraternal Order of Police, becoming the unit representative for the 7^th district, and started the first political party within the union. Ken eventually served on the Board of Directors for the F.O.P. Chicago Chapter, was the Chairman of the F.O.P. Store, and was elected as the first Vice-President of the State F.O.P.

He shared his natural leadership abilities with many organizations over the years, serving as past Treasurer and current Commander of the Wilmington American Legion Post 191, in addition to being a member of the Malcolm J. Mayo VFW Post 5422 in Wilmington. Ken was an elevated board member with the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 44 in Bridgeview, Illinois, where he was awarded the State Member of the Year Award, appointed by the Illinois Crime Commission. He also served as past President of the Wilmington Historical Society, was a member of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, and was appointed to the Will County Veteran’s Assistance Commission.

Ken was an avid golfer and was a member of Silver Oaks Golf Club in Braidwood. He also took pleasure in fishing and reading history and mystery genres. He loved music and spending time with lifelong friends, and being of service to his community and fellow veterans and police officers. Above all else, Ken believed his number one accomplishment was being the father of two great daughters whom he cherished and were more important to him than anything else.

Survivors include his two daughters: Jaclyn Watt (Geoffrey Gardner) of Los Angeles, California and Caryn (Brian) Moser of Cissna Park, Illinois; one grandson, Elliot Moser of Cissna Park, Illinois; one brother and one sister: Glenn (Debbie) Watt of Gurnee, Illinois and Verna Jean “Jidge” (the late Richard) Johnson of Ohio, Illinois; one brother-in-law, David Sladek of Manhattan, Illinois; six nieces and nephews: Tracy (James) Latek, Steve (Alisa) Sladek, Scott (Mary) Sladek, Jenny Johnson, Greg Johnson, and Carey (Tom) Carroll-Freeman, as well as eleven great nieces and great nephews; and his wife and mother of his children, Carolyn Watt of Cissna Park, Illinois.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren, Dimitri Kenneth Moser and Kendra Lauren Moser; and one sister, Arlene Sladek, and one uncle, Leslie "Les" Nelson.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Cremation rites will be accorded, and memorial services will be Thursday, March 14, 2024 in the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. Inurnment with full military honors will immediately follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts to the Wilmington American Legion Post 191 or to the Fraternal Order of Police.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Ken’s memorial page via social media.

Services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (814) 476-2181.