He was born May 14, 1944, in rural Wayside, the son of James Albert and Rosa Ethelda (Atkinson) Watson. He was raised in the Wayside area and graduated from Independence High School. He later at tended Independence Com- munity College.

On Feb. 14, 1964, he was united in marriage to Karen Louise Kennedy in Nowata, Okla. To this union three children were born.

He dedicated his life to the land, starting on the family farm in Wayside un- til 1981 when they moved to Eureka and purchased their own farm. He was a member of the Wayside Christian Church. He is survived by his children, James Watson of Eureka; Brian Watson of Abingdon, Md.; and Jenni fer Peterson of Clay Cen- ter; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, and all three siblings, John Wat son, Richard Watson and Mark Watson.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, October 4, 2024, at Green - wood Cemetery, in Eureka. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the American Heart Association. Contri - butions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eu - reka, KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements.

Condolences may be left for the family online, at koup- funerals.com.