ALTON, Ill. — Police are investigating the death of a beloved community member as a memorial grows inside the department store where he worked for years.
Multiple agencies are still trying to piece together exactly what happened early Friday morning that left 68-year-old Roe Watts dead after what investigators are currently calling a ‘domestic-related incident.’
Alton Police were called to the 200 block of W. 19th St. around 3 a.m. Friday. When they arrived at the scene, they found two men in the front yard.
One of the men wasn’t breathing and later died at the hospital. That man was later identified as 68-year-old Roadecker “Roe” Watts.
Watts was well known in Alton after years working at JCPenney, where customers and coworkers said he was known for his impeccable style.
Watts was also active in the local LGBTQ community.
Alton Pride Vice President Anne McCoy sent 5 On Your Side the following statement on Watts's passing:
Roe Watts was the kind of person that everyone thought of as their friend. He was just that kind of person that didn’t know a stranger. He would light up the room with his dazzling smile and his electric energy. He had such a good soul that everyone near him would feel it.
He was the “first friend” to people new to Bubby & Sissy’s. He was your forever friend once he knew your name. And most were honored to be his friend. He was so kind that he would make sure there were birthday cakes for all the recipients of the monthly birthday party, because he wanted to make sure everyone felt special. That was just one of many of his thoughtful gestures for those around him.
He quietly retired last year from JC Penney and thought it would go by unnoticed. It did not. A few people got together and threw him a surprise retirement party and it was wonderful. He was very surprised! So many people came out for that party and that was not a surprise.
The shock of this loss will stay with us all for a very long time. We won’t be the same. Roe was a legend. He will always be remembered for his loving soul, his very classy way of dressing and presenting himself, his friendly kisses on the cheek for all his friends, and of course his clapping and dancing to the music.
Counselors were available Monday at the JCPenney in Alton, where people have been leaving notes honoring Watts's memory.
As of Monday, there was no ongoing threat to the community, police said.