Clarence Allen "Bus" Watt

Clarence Allen "Bus" Watt, age 89, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at his home. He was born on October 11, 1930 in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of C.A. "Buck" Watt and Clara Lee (McClure) Watt. He was married on August 18, 1957, at the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson City to Mary Louise Darling who survives at the home. A lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area, Bus was a 1948 graduate of Jefferson City High School. After attending Jefferson City Jr. College for two years, Bus enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He spent his military career stationed in Tennessee, California, and Japan. In California, his naval role was in the early study of missiles. He then went on to Japan where he was responsible for the weight and balance of cargo for air travel. After returning home from his Naval duties, he attended the University of Missouri where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Education and a minor in Athletic Coaching. After teaching for a short term at Simonsen, he accepted a position at Jefferson City High School, where he remained teaching Contemporary Issues & American History for over 36 years. He ended his teaching career spending his final two years at Simonsen, the same as where it began. Bus was a prominent member of the National Education Association. Through his many years of teaching, he acquired lasting friendships with his fellow teachers and students. His love of teaching, JC Jays sporting events and Cardinal Baseball introduced him to two people that became brothers to him; Pete Adkins and Bill Smith. They spent their days hunting quail and pheasants together both locally and across the state for 55 years. Bus enjoyed collecting double barrel shotguns, which he classified as a definite need along with the many beautiful hunting dogs he cherished deeply. Bus was firm in his beliefs and was very engaged in government and politics. He enjoyed staying healthy in mind and body and did so by consistently reading and learning as well as remaining active. Bus was an avid gardener and always kept his flower beds and other landscaping in beautiful shape. He had a faithful passion for conserving the environment and taking care of all that is in it. He was a proud member of the Nature Conservancy and spent many years working alongside the Department of Conservation to make the land at his hobby farm the best it could be for wildlife. When Bus lost his beloved brother Dale too young, he pursued their dream of owning a farm together one day. The property on Hidden Dale quickly became a paradise for his wife, daughter, grandchildren and their many loved ones. He will be remembered for living life "his way" which meant acting with integrity, patience and loyalty, along with being a great listener and keeping a positive mindset. Most importantly, he strived every day to be the best husband, dad and papa ever, in which his family would say he over succeeded. Survivors include: his loving wife of 63 years; his daughter, Lisa Marie Gill (husband, Donald) of Jefferson City, Mo.; his grandchildren, Emily Kate Kolb of St. Louis, Mo., Olivia Grace Kolb of Jefferson City, Mo., and Ethan Dale Kolb of Columbia, Mo.; and many loving family, friends, and students who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved grandmother; and his brother, Dale G. Watt. A private memorial service will be conducted on Friday, August 14, 2020, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Dr. David Henry officiating. A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 10:45 a.m. for friends and family to view. The livestream can be accessed by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website. Friends may mail sympathy cards to the funeral home or leave condolences online to be given to his family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Salvation Army, First Presbyterian Church or The Nature Conservancy. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com