John Franklin Watts, 72 of Franklin, IN and formerly of Ellenton, Florida passed away Monday, April 27, 2026 in Franklin, IN.

He was born October 24, 1953 in Chattahoochee, Florida.

He was a United States Air Force Veteran having been honorably discharged with the rank of Sargent in 1976 at Travis Air Force Base, California.

John had been a Corrections Officer for the Florida State Department of Corrections for 16 years.

He enjoyed woodworking, computers, working on cars and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Survivors include his children Michael (Noemi) Watts of Sarasota, FL, Bradley (Melanie) Watts of Parrish, FL, Christopher (Paula) Watts of Bradenton, FL, Karean (Evan) Corley of Franklin, IN, Janae (Christopher) Garrison of Point Pleasant, NJ, siblings Edward Thomas (Taya) Watts Jr. of OH, Jessie (Lori) Watts of OH, Robert (Cheryl) Watts of TN, Barry Watts of OH and Tracey Janae (Jayson) Cline of OH, 19 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father Edward Thomas Watts Sr., his mother Helen Ramona (Cawthon) Prather, stepmother Audrey Watts, stepfather Donald Larry Prather.

Inurnment will take place at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, Fl.

Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Information 317-738-0202.