Benjamin Benny Donald Watson

He attended public schools in Kansas City, KS, and was a proud 1955 graduate of Sumner High School. After graduating from Sumner High School, Benjamin attended Kansas City, Kansas Junior College. A year later, he joined the United States Navy and began a stellar naval career. He attained the rank of Aviation Electronics Technician Second Class after basic training in Brunswick, Maryland and earned the designation of Combat Air Crew. His squadron spent deployments in Newfoundland Nova Scotia Malta Port Leautey French Morocco Puerto Rico, Ireland and Scotland. He was later transferred to Andrews Air Force Base in 1962, during the presidency of John F. Kennedy, and was in Washington D.C. during the funeral of President Kennedy as well as the historic March on Washington.

In 1964, he was in the Aviation Technical training in Memphis, Tennessee, and later was assigned duty in Patrol Squadron 556 in Norfolk, Virginia. His squadron had the distinction of being on site when the Russian missiles were being shipped to Cuba. In addition, they did reconnaissance and anti submarine detection duties. Benjamin received an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1969.

It was after his discharge from the Navy and his returning to Kansas City, Kansas, that he rekindled his relationship with his former high school sweetheart and classmate Johnnie Mae Harris. He married his former classmate and girlfriend in December 29, 1973, and they were blessed to enjoy thirty-eight years of marriage. The couple spent many happy times as active participants in activities relating to the Sumner High School Class of 1955 club, the Sumner High School Alumni Association, and various community functions. They served as planning committee chairpersons for their fiftieth class reunion.

Because Benjamin was a strong believer in education and a life-long learner, he earned a degree from the National College of Business, graduating with honors in 1978. He was also in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. Also, he was a life member of the National Association of Colored People (NAACP).

Benjamin began a second career with the United States Civil Service as an electronics mechanic, aircraft examiner, and later as an engineering technician. He was later assigned to the transportation sector for the U.S. Department of Energy and began working on implementing a new program for alternative transportation and fuels. He held that position until his retirement August of 1995. It was in 1996 that he was hired by the metropolitan Kansas City area. The coalition was recognized for its accomplishments and was in the top ten finishes for four years. Benjamin was selected as the top coordinator for the Denver Region in 2004.

Benjamin was a very active and much loved member of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Kansas for over thirty-eight years. As a music lover, he sang in the Senior Choir, the Mass Choir, the Sanctuary Choir and the Male Chorus. Over the years, he served on the Trustee Board, as well as the Steward Board. His service to the church also included the Men of Fame, the Bus Ministry, and Sunday school teacher. He loved God, and he loved his FAME church family. Benjamin’s love could be seen not only through his warm relationship with the members of FAME, but also it was demonstrated through various tasks that he voluntarily undertook at the church.

Benjamin leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Johnnie Mae (Harris) Watson, his brother, Leon Watson of Los Angeles, California, his mother-in-law, Harriet Sanders, one nephew, Brian (Christal) Watson, two nieces, Tamara Watson, Kansas City, Kansas, Nanette Tolon Dallas, Texas, grand nephews and nieces, other relatives, and many dear friends.

Services will be held at First African Methodist Episcopal Church on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at First African Methodist Episcopal Church.

nsas City, KS.