Obituary

Richard Walter Watts

September 13, 1948 - August 28, 2022

Franklinton native Richard Walter Watts died peacefully on August 28, 2022, at the age of 73. He was born on September 13, 1948. Richard spent his career practicing law in Franklinton as a member of the 22nd Judicial District.

In addition to representing the majority of the Washington Parish Fire Districts, he served as representative and board member to Riverside Medical Center. He was the consummate southern gentleman who loved his family, the opera, and a martini.

Richard received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Centenary College in Shreveport in 1970. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from Louisiana State University School of Law in 1973. When he returned to Franklinton, he practiced in the areas of real estate, domestic law and family relations, personal injury, estate and probate, wills and criminal trials. His retirement in July 2022 ended a 103 year span of his family practicing law in Washington Parish.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dr. Elizabeth Ann Mylius Watts, his parents Elizabeth and France Watts, Jr., his brothers Judge France “Budge” Watts and Charles Kendrick Watts, and his sister Susan Richardson.

Richard is survived by beloved companion Dianne Thomas; his sister Pam Rudnicki, his sisters-in-law Clara Sue Driftmier and Paula Watts, and “all my children:” Cynthia Greer and Robert Greer; John Watts, Sarah Driftmier, and Chris Watts; Suellen Richardson, Russell Richardson, and Thomas Richardson; Robert Rudnicki and James Rudnicki; Marion Brown and Kendrick Watts.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home, Friday, September 2, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm with Father Howard L’Enfant as officiant. Burial immediately following in Ellis Cemetery.

Honorary Pallbearers are Abron Magee, Bill McGehee, Jay Seale, and Joe Loupe.

Memorials may be sent to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 208 Georgia Ave, Bogalusa, Louisiana 70427, where Richard worshipped and served as Senior Warden.