W. Ernest Watson, 87, of Washington, died Thursday, October 18, 2012, in Donnell House, Washington.
He was born November 6, 1924, in McCullough, son of the late George E. and Betty Melnick Watson.
Mr. Watson graduated from Bentleyville High School in 1942 and went on to serve in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He served as a cadet midshipman aboard an ammunition carrier in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
After his military service, he was employed by Bentleyville Telephone Co., and after 33 years of service, he retired from Bell Telephone. He and his wife, Eloise, operated a craft shop in Scenery Hill for nearly 10 years.
Mr. Watson also served as supervisor in North Franklin Township from 1964 to 1970. He was active in Boy Scouts of America, serving as Scoutmaster for more than 13 years. He was appointed to Washington County Planning Commission in 1973 and was still active until his death. He also served on the executive committee of the State Board of Township Officials.
On June 2, 1947, in Scenery Hill, he married Eloise Crumrine, who died September 10, 1990.
Surviving are four sons, Wayne E. (Sue) Watson of Canonsburg, Jay W. (Jean) Watson and Gary E. (Paula) Watson, both of Washington, and Greg J. (Debbie) Watson of Arlington, Texas; daughter Elaine (John) Brock of Fort Myers, Fla.; two brothers, George S. Watson of Washington and William S. (Barb) Watson of McMurray; sister Jean (Fred) Donham of Beckley, W.Va.; 11 grandchildren, Kelly and Brian Watson, Jody Grayson, Clint, Dan, Bradley, Grayson, Austin and Emily Watson and Matthew and Carly Brock; twogreat-grandchildren, Amelia and Hadley Grayson; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a brother, Franklin H. Watson.
Friends will be received from noon to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 22, with Dr. Stuart Broberg officiating. Interment will follow in Scenery Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org, or to a charity of one's choice. Condolences may be expressed at www. piattandbarnhillfh.com. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/ supervisor, and Lawrence K. Donovan, funeral director.
Family Members
Spouse
Mary Eloise Crumrine Watson*
1921–1990
