John Watson
Wood River |
John T. Watson, 97, passed away 10:17 a.m. Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at his residence.
Born on February 11, 1917 in Elsberry, MO, he was the son of Oake and Emma (Dudley) Watson.
He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as a P-38 Lightning pilot, being discharged from the service as a captain. John loved flying and was an instructor at St. Louis Regional Airport in Bethalto since the early 1940's. In 1947, he went to work in the
Research Laboratory of Shell Oil Company in Roxana, retiring in 1980 from the Houston, TX facility.
On February 22, 1970 at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, he married the former Betty Barnes. She survives.
Surviving also are a son Eric Smith of Las Vegas, NV; two daughters, Judy (Joseph) Barber of Wood River, Diane White of St. Petersburg, FL; seven grandchildren, Melissa (John) Grigg, Kristine (Brad) Whetzel, Stacy (Greg) Fite, Ericka (Cody) McPherson, Brian Smith, Kyle (Katy) Smith; 11 great grandchildren; and his special 'pug girl", Sabrina.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, John Dudley Watson; granddaughter, Andrea Watson; four sisters; and a brother.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday at Marks Mortuary in Wood River, where services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Rev. Bruce Baumberger will officiate.
Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with full military honors.
Mark's Mortuary
