Kenneth “Ken Dawg” Richard Watts, 67, of Crestline, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on
September 20, 2025 at Rustic Lakes Campground. Born on August 28, 1958 in Ashland, Ohio, he was married to Kathy (Ford) Watts for 35 years.
Left to cherish his memory: Son, Shannon Gonzales, sister LuAnn (Michael J) Radebaugh,
brother Russ “Bubba” Watts, sister Lori Watts & Carl Carroll, sister Lisa (Ramon) Humphrey, brother-in-law Kevin Ford, brother-in-law Ken Ford, father-in-law Bill Blum, along with numerous uncles and aunts, his favorite nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and his beloved dog Shaggy.
He was the previous owner of the local hangout, Stats Sports Bar in Crestline, Ohio for over 25 years and retired from Mosier Industrial. Ken “Dawg” was a proud member of the Browns Backer Club for many years. Everyone always knew Sunday he would be dressed as “the Dawg” and ready for the game, either in the Dawg Pound or around the camp fire at Rustic Lakes.
From a proud Irish family everyone always looked forward to attending the St. Patrick’s Day party at Stats. He enjoyed music, camping, fishing, darts and hanging out by the fire watching sports with many friends. Anyone who knew Ken, knew they had a friend, as he always had a fire burning for them when they stopped by to visit. He was also notorious for always stealing pies at the family holidays.
Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Sandi Watts, mother-in-law Norma (Salvati) Blum, sister-in-law Carla (Boggs) Watts, nephew Scott Gekler, grandparents, Chuck and Kate McCollum and his beloved pet and companion Scooby.
Special thanks to all his family and Rustic Lakes, as well as the campers, many of whom were more family than friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hub in Crestline, Ohio Sunday October 5, 2025 from 2pm to 6pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at the celebration.
For Ken Dawg
Written by Gina Marciniak
At Rustic Lakes he made his mark,
Forty summers, down ‘til dark.
Cornhole bags and fishing poles,
Stories told, and laughing souls.
He’d catch a fish, then with a grin,
Toss it where the kids could win.
Spaghetti-O’s straight from the can,
A cigar burning in his hand.
Pork rinds popping, dogs at his feet,
Friends and laughter made life complete.
Beside his Kathy, strong and true,
Every day was built for two.
The Browns were his-year after year,
Heartbreak heavy, hope held near.
Through every loss, he wore that pride,
Cleveland’s colors, deep inside.
Now the campground feels the space,
But we still see his smiling face.
In every bag tossed on the boards,
In every laugh the night restores.
So raise a glass, remember strong,
The spirit of Ken lives on and on.
Though he’s gone, he’s never far,
He’s fading bright, our northern star.
Funeral Home: Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society
Website: www.ohiocremation.org