John Robert Watson

John Watson of Olive Branch, Mississippi, passed away on August 26, 2013. John was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 1, 1928. He grew up on his family’s dairy farm. He was a member of a children’s rodeo, the Santa Fe Trail Riders, in the late 1930’s. He graduated from Kansas State University, where he played both football and baseball. He served in Japan following World War II and also in the 37th Division Signal Company from 1951 to 1953. He was employed by Cargill Inc. and Agrico Feed Company. He was a member of Maples Memorial Church.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mabel Watson, and a son Bruce. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara; son Blake (Pam) of Centerville, Ohio; daughter Sandra of Olive Branch, Mississippi; grandson Benjamin of Arlington, Virginia; granddaughter Anna of Columbus, Ohio; his sister, Lores Teters of Hereford, Texas; brother-in-law, John Nichols (Joyce) of Overland Park, Kansas; sister-in-law Marilyn Bullock (Paul) of Manhattan, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 31, at the Maples Memorial Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 2:30 and the service will follow at 3:00. There will be a reception afterwards. Online Condolences may be made at www.BrantleyFuneral.com

Brantley Funeral Home Olive Branch

662-895-2310