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Funeral: 1 p.m. Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Visitation: 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home
Interment: Odd Fellows Cemetery, Xenia
Jackie “Jack” Lloyd Wathan, age 86, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Friday afternoon, January 7, 2022, at Flora Gardens Care Center.
Jack was born March 20, 1935, in Clay County, the son of Tiny Christopher Wathan and Mamie Marie (Stoops) Wathan. He was united in marriage to Doris Marie Pennington on December 5, 1959, in Xenia, and together they shared 61 wedding anniversaries together. She passed away eight months prior, on May 7, 2021.
Jack learned basic carpentry skills early in life, and after long hours of labor and learning the fine details of his trade, he was regarded as a true craftsman. He built and worked on many homes and businesses. Often called upon by family and friends, Jack was ready to help anyone with whatever they needed. Owning and handling horses, including stallions, and especially Black Tennessee Walkers, was one of his most enjoyable pursuits. He and Doris worked together to prepare for showing horses, and they liked sharing their love of these beautiful animals with their family. Around home, Jack took great pride in caring for his yard and garden. His family and grandchildren were an outstanding joy in his life that he enjoyed spending time with. He was a member of Bloom Baptist Church.
He is survived by his children: Randy Wathan of Flora, Rhonda (Scott) Garrett of Flora, and Ronnie (Sharon) Wathan of Rock Hill, South Carolina; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Doris Wathan; brothers: James, Raymond “Short”, Melvin Eugene “Gene”, Harold “Bud”, and LeRoy “Skeeter” Wathan; and father-and-mother-in-law: Ray and Estel Pennington.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Xenia. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to either Bloom Baptist Church or any charity of the donor’s choice and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Aug 8, 1939 - Apr 18, 2024
Jul 20, 1934 - Apr 14, 2024
Nov 1, 1976 - Apr 13, 2024
Jan 4, 1975 - Apr 7, 2024
Apr 22, 1958 - Jan 18, 2024
I'm so sorry for the loss of Jack.was such a nice guy. My deepest condolences.
Jack was such a great guy it was such a pleasure to watch him work at a NAL Where it seemed like construction was perpetual during the 15 years I worked there. He was truly a craftsman and a master in his art. My condolences to his family
Sorry to hear of this Shannon , prayers be with you all
Jack was a very nice man. He did work on our house also. Sorry to learn of his passing.
We are so sorry to read of your dad’s passing. Wonderful neighbors, great people, they will be missed! Prayers during this difficult time.
our condolences to Jacks's family. Jack was a good friend to everyone. He will be missed. We are sure Doris welcomed him home with open arms for they loved each other endlessly. The two of them spread love and kindness to everyone that knew them.
We are so sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for your loss. He was dearly loved at the restaurant and will be missed by all of us.
Jack & Doris were an inportant & enjoyable part of my life. We live in "a house that Jack built'. Probably the only log cabin he ever built. We showed horses together many times & often sat down to Doris' wonderful cooking. Traveling together to the World Championship Tennessee Walking Horse Show is a fond memory. We miss you dear friends.
So sorry for you loss.
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. Remembering thought of when we were kids and all the mischief we got into. Love, Kay
May you Rest In Peace!! Lord please be with the family in this hard time!! We love you guys! Our hearts are with you even though we are so many miles away!!
Great Friend and customer of Andy's Market years ago. Great wife and children.
Rhonda so sorry for you and all your family’s loss. He was such a nice man have a lot of great memories spending time with you all on the farm. My second family.
So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers for the family.
My heart is breaking for the family. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, especially during this most difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember him with that beautiful black stallion Tennessee Walker in the Halloween Parades. Hugs to you Rhonda and Randy and all family.
Randy and Rhonda, so sorry to hear of this great loss of your Father and Mother, not long ago. May you all find peace and comfort as time passes and may they both rest in peace in Heaven.
Dear Randy, Rhonda, and Ron - I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Jack always showed kindness and patience with my Eva, Dan and me. Spending time on the farm with Jack and Doris was such fun - playing in the barn and then raiding the Schwann's ice cream treats in the freezer. Watching Uncle Jack with horses was a treat, he seemed to be able to communicate without a word. May he rest in peace and love along with Aunt Doris.
We are so sorry for your loss Ron (and Family). We will miss the stories of both your Dad, and your Mom, of all the great holidays and visits to see them. Sincerely, Michael, Kristen, Gabe and Piper
Jack was truly one of the great ones. His stories will be sadly missed and as well as his firm hand shakes and gentle smile.
So sorry for your loss. My Dad always loved being part of your Family.
A truly great man, and a wonderful neighbor. Wathans Corner will forever be in my heart and mind. Your folks were truly lovely, wonderful people, and we miss them. I suspect that many people share in some of your loss. He is heavens gain.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
