The Commercial-News, Danville, IL

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  • John C. Watson Jr.

    John C. Watson Jr.

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February 5, 2012

John C. Watson Jr.

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— John C. Watson Jr., 89, of Danville, passed away at 5:40 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, at his home.

John was born on April 7, 1922, in Danville, the son of John Charles and Jenny (Wright) Watson Sr. He married Erva P. “Polly” Walker on Sept. 2, 1950, at First Presbyterian Church in Danville. She survives.

He is also survived by two sons, John (Kim) Watson of Moore, S.C., and Jeff (Penny) Watson of Tilton; four grandchildren, John R. “Rob” Watson of Houston, Texas, Ryne C. Watson of Tilton, Matt Dillon Watson of Moore, S.C., and Cody P. Watson of Tilton; and a nephew, Bill Smith of West Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and four sisters.

John served in the United States Army in the South Pacific during World War II. After serving in the military, he began working as a truck driver. He drove for Falstaff Beer, Hires Trucking and Ryder Truck Lines, until he retired in 1984.

He attended St. James United Methodist Church. He was a 50-year member of Masonic Temple Olive Branch and Blue Lodge and 60-year Scottish Rite member, where he served as a stage hand and participated in the degree work. He was the leader of the Grand Masonic Marching Army for 10 years. He was a member of ANSAR Shrine in Springfield, where he was a member of the 25-man bicycle team. He was very active in helping children at the Shriners’ Children’s Hospital. He was also a member of the GAO Grotto, American Legion and VFW in Danville.

He enjoyed working, traveling, working in his yard, feeding squirrels and being with his grandchildren. He never knew a stranger and loved to say things to make people laugh.

A celebration of the life of John C. Watson Jr. will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, with the Rev. Randall L. Robinson officiating. Burial will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. James United Methodist Church or to the Lakeview Alumni. Please join John’s family in posting memories, photos or videos on his Tribute Wall at: www.sunsetfuneral home.com.

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