Paul K. Wattles

Paul Kenley Wattles, age 85, passed away peacefully at home in Cooper City, Florida on September 17, 2021. He was born in Flora, Illinois on July 7, 1936 to the late Loy E. and Anna Cleone Wattles.

He is survived by his wife of almost 61 years: Lucille M. Wattles; children: Sheri Anne Wattles-Miller, Scott Kenley Wattles and Vicki Lynn Briner, and her husband, Dan; grandchildren: Shelby Lynn Miller and Lyndsey Anne Miller and cousin: Bill Kenley, and his wife Marilyn. He was preceded in death by his sisters: Jean Ann Skinner, Loyetta Cleone Lawrence, and Cheryl Sue Trimmer.
Paul attended Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Civil Engineering. He started his professional career at L.L.Swords Engineering in Peoria, Illinois. He met his future wife when they rented rooms in the same house. Later, the couple moved to Springfield, Illinois, and it was there that he started his career in municipal government as Assistant City Engineer. He continued his career in Davenport, Iowa; Augusta, Georgia; Hoffman Estates, Illinois; Hallandale, Florida; and Pembroke Pines, Florida, where he finished his career as Assistant City Manager.
Paul enjoyed music. He was in his high school and college marching bands. Additionally, he was a member of the Decatur municipal band, where he played the French horn. He also played the cornet.
His children and grandchildren enjoyed when he read to them, and later, he shared that talent with school children in Pembroke Pines.
He was a member of the Rotary Club in Augusta, Georgia.
As a member of the United Methodist Church for almost 60 years, Paul was on church boards, sometimes serving as chairman. He also ushered and taught Sunday School. Most recently, he was a member of New Horizon United Methodist Church in Southwest Ranches, Florida.
Most of all, Paul enjoyed spending time with his family. He attended school programs, dance recitals, little league games and soccer games. He was a Boy Scout Leader. He also liked camping with his family and friends. Throughout his children's childhood and adolescence, he spent many weekends at swim meets, cheering on his children and serving as an official. Paul will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Visitation to be held on Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 10:00 AM until Service at 11:00 AM at New Horizon United Methodist Church, 5741 South Flamingo Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33330.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 11 am, at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, IL. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton.