Richard Paul Watson

Born January 16, 1929 in Pekin to Malcolm R. and Isabelle Marie (Lohnes) Watson, he married Maureen Turner and they later divorced. He then married Bonnie L. Echard on August 14, 1981 in Bartonville. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Renee (Butch) Sanden of Royal Palm, Florida; one son, Ron Watson of Pekin; four grandchildren, Curtis Sanden, Troy (Chelsea) Bahn, Chad Sanden and Nicole Watson; several great-grandchildren and one brother, John Watson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Deanne Bahn and Kathleen Watson and one brother, Robert Watson.

Dick had retired in 1985 after working 20 years as a millwright and carpenter out of the Local 644 in Peoria. Prior to that, he had worked at Standard Brands Plant for 18 years, prior to its closing.

An avid duck and goose hunter, Dick was a former member of the Manito Chapter Duck’s Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl in Pekin. He was also a sports fan of all sports at all levels.

His visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Guidelines regarding social distancing and wearing of masks will be followed. A private funeral will be held following, officiated by Rev. Stephen W. Barch. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com