WATSON, Thomas Frank

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 01/06/2006 Thomas Frank Watson, 71, of Show Low, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006, at his home. Mr. Watson was born Nov. 2, 1934, at Lincoln, N.M., the son of Lester and Mattie Mae (Thigpen) Watson. He was raised and attended school at Gila Bend, and was Valedictorian of his class in the eighth grade, and Salutatorian of his Senior class in 1952. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean Conflict, where he was a CW operator. He was found to have the highest IQ of any enlisted man in the Corps. After his discharge he was a carpenter; all three sons followed in his occupation. He later worked for the Department of Corrections in Maintenance, retiring in 1992. He was a patient and kind person. He loved everything about Arizona, especially the desert. He was an avid outdoorsman and four-wheeler. Thanks and God Bless to Dr. Veronica Sutherland, White Mountain Fire Department, Gila Bend Fire Department, and Navapache ER & ICU. Survivors include his daughter, Sherry (Gary) Lynn of Stanfield; three sons, Tom Watson of Show Low, Mike (Cindy) Watson of Maricopa, and Rick (Cora) Watson of Show Low; sister, Betty Gills of Gila Bend; brother, Jim Watson of Camp Verde; nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren, Cody and Trevor Watson. Interment will be at 11 a.m, Saturday, Jan. 7, at Pioneer Cemetery in Gila Bend. A reception will be held at the Elks Lodge in Gila Bend at 12:30 p.m., following the interment. Arrangements are under the direction of Black's Mortuary, Show Low. Light a memory candle at www.thomas-watson.blacksmortuary.com.