John Edward Watson

John Watson, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, went home to be with

the Lord on December 13, 2019. John was born November 7, 1934, in Galesburg, IL, to Forrest & Mabel

Watson. John was an only child but had a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. John

graduated from Hinsdale High School in Illinois in 1953. He married his high school sweetheart, Beth

Ewald, on September 3, 1955. John and Beth were married for 64 years and raised four sons in Lansing,

MI. John attended Michigan State University to study horticulture and was an avid fan of the Spartans.

He was the long time Sales Manager at Smith Floral Greenhouse in Lansing. John was a member of

South Church.

John enjoyed visiting many of our national parks on family summer vacation camping trips.

Attending the Watson family reunion was an annual event incorporated into family vacations. John

greatly enjoyed these reunions where he could reminisce with all of his aunts, uncles and cousins. He

loved photography and served as the “official” reunion photographer for many years. His annual slide

show of past reunions was always an entertaining highlight.

John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Beth; sons Jeffrey

(Patricia) Watson of Mason, MI; Michael (Nancy) Watson of Clinton Township, MI; Steven (Lori) Watson

of Grand Ledge, MI and Forrest (Cheryl) Watson of Temecula, CA; grandchildren - Andrea (Jordan)

Caplan, Alex (Taylor) Watson; Rachelle (Jason) Manasseri, Brendan and Garrett Watson; Rachel Schweer;

Christian, Spencer, Bethany, Autumn and Noah Watson; and great grandchildren - Ayla & Amelia Caplan,

Carter & Kennedy Watson; Kadince, Kamrin and Kloie Schweer. He is also survived by his sister-in-law

Carol Ewald of Hemet, CA and best friends Robert and Barbara Soos of Coldwater, MI, and their family.

John dearly loved his family and friends and will be greatly missed by them. Cremation has

taken place. A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held at a later date. The family has

requested that donations in John’s memory be directed to South Church in Lansing, MI.