Orville Francis Watowa, 90, Buena Park, California, formerly of Atchison, Kansas, passed away May 15, 2022, In God’s hands.

Orville was born October 11, 1931, son of Lawrence G. Watowa and Phoebe E. (Thrift). He attended St. Benedict’s Elementary School, and the Good Intent Grade School west of Atchison and Atchison County Community High School, Effingham, Kansas.

He enlisted in the Navy in October 1951 as a Gunner Mate during the Korean War, until his honorable discharge on October 11, 1955. After serving in the military, a year later he married and moved to Simi Valley, California in 1957, then to Buena Park, California in 1969. He worked as a Light and Heavy Equipment operator in Supervisory and Lead roles for over 36 years for the State of California Highway Department (CALTRANS), until his retirement on December 31, 1996.

Orville is survived by two sons, Travis E. Watowa, Anaheim, California, Monty A. Watowa, Buena Park, California; three daughters, Tammy M. Neumann, Platte City, Missouri, Renee F. LaCorte, Corona, California, Kristen K. Watowa, Temecula California; two brothers, Jerome (Jerry) Watowa, Topeka, Kansas, Donald Watowa, Sterling, Alaska; and one sister, Doris Smith, Atchison, Kansas.

Orville is preceded in death by both his parents, former wife Delores M. Watowa (Benshoof), one daughter, Tina J. Watowa; and two brothers, Robert (Bob) Watowa, Jim Watowa, Atchison, Kansas

He treasured his children (6), grandchildren (10), greatgrandchildren (4) and all of our family friends (as his own). He was a Farmer, Construction Worker, Master Mechanic by nature, heavily involved throughout his lifetime; passionately entrenched in all of his communities, in so many ways.  Orville was a perpetual helper, especially involved in PTA, FFA, Band/football Booster Clubs, always volunteering to be our baseball/softball coach, to name just a few.  He was our hero, best friend, an honorable man, loved by all. Thank you for your service OFW and unconditional love, your hard work here is done.  

Rosary/Visitation – Friday July 8th, 2022 - 6:30-7:30pm, in the Chapel of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, 208 N. 5th St., Atchison, KS 66002.

Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday July 9th, 2022 - 10:30am at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 1001 N. 2nd St., Atchison, KS 66002 with Father Jeremy Heppler, OSB, officiating both the Rosary & Mass. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 9585 Hwy. K-7, Atchison KS 66002 with Military honors. Luncheon afterwards from 1pm-2:30pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Spring Garden St. & 8th, Atchison, KS 66002. 

Flowers: Iron Rose 913-367-5247 or Always Blooming 913-367-5162

If memorial donation is preferred, either call 855-448-3997 or go online to https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org and notify them it is in honor of Orville Francis Watowa, c/o Watowa family, 8442 Handel Drive, Buena Park, CA 90621-3119

Online Condolences, please send to https://www.Arensbergpruett.com and search for Orville F. Watowa