WATSON, William E. (Bill)

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona February 23, 2003 LCDR William E. Watson, USN, Retired. William E. Watson died February 10, 2003 at his home in Prescott Valley, Arizona, of complications of small cell lung cancer, one of the many rewards of smoking. He was born December 8, 1930 in Iowa Park, Texas. Surviving is his wife of nearly fifty years, Edna Watson and their 4 children, 9 Grand Children, 1 Great Grand Child, and his 4 Siblings. He briefly attended Tolleson Union High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy on April 1, 1948. He began his nearly thirty year Naval career as a seaman recruit and advanced through all of the enlisted pay grades before being Commissioned an Ensign on October 1, 1964. In addition to campaign, defense, Foreign Service and occupation medals and awards, Commander Watson was awarded the Good Conduct Medal with three Bronze Stars and the Navy Commendation Medal with one Gold Star. His remains have been cremated and will be delivered to the U.S. Navy for scattering at sea with appropriate military honors. In lieu of flowers "Bill" requests that you buy a card for a friend, buy a quiet child a loud toy, rejoice this is the first day of the rest of your life... A memorial service, officiated by Captain Jack Unangst, United States Navy Reserve, will be held at 2 p.m. on a Saturday, March 01, 2003 in the Chapel at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Prescott AZ. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.