Jerry Watson

Jerry Watson, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Collier Park Assisted Living Center, Beaumont, Texas after a brief illness.

Jerry was born on September 22, 1934, to Ross Watson and Josephine Goodboo Watson in Quapaw, Oklahoma. The family eventually moved to Manter, Kansas.  Jerry excelled at basketball and baseball at Manter High school before graduating as salutatorian of his class in 1952.  He operated a diner with his brother, Jack and sister, Joann for several years before enlisting in the US Army in 1957.  That same year he married the love of his life, Nornell Williams Watson. After leaving the Army, they moved to Guymon, Oklahoma so Jerry could complete his bachelor’s degree in business at Panhandle A&M College.  He then took his young family to Elgin, Oklahoma where he accepted a job with the Federal Civil Service.  He spent his entire career at Fort Sill, retiring in 1987 from his position of Assistant Director for Civilian Personnel, Technical Services Office for the USA Field Artillery Center and Fort Sill DPCA.

Jerry was a long-time member of the Elgin United Methodist Church, where he served as trustee, helped sponsor the United Methodist Youth group, and participated in the United Methodist Men’s group.  He loved to golf with his friends and even scheduled a hip replacement surgery during the off season so he wouldn’t miss the opportunity to play.  Jerry was a friend to all and started each morning with a drive to downtown Elgin to pick up the mail, drink coffee with the guys and find out what was going on around town.

Jerry and Nornell enjoyed square dancing in their early years until the activities of their daughters took precedence. As grandsons came along, they continued their tradition by attending as many activities as possible to enjoy their family. Many of the grandsons’ friends still refer to Nornell and Jerry as “Bebe and Pa.” Jerry served as a volunteer in the Southwestern Medical Center Admissions Department for 10 years, from 2005-2015.  He retired from that volunteer work with almost 3,500 hours of service.

Jerry and Nornell relocated to Beaumont, Texas, in 2022.  Although it was difficult to leave their family and friends in Oklahoma, they quickly made new friends in their new home at Collier Park Retirement Center. They were named “Cutest Couple” in 2022 and Collier Park’s Homecoming King and Queen in 2023.

Survivors include three daughters; Terri Riddle of Beaumont, Texas;  Wendy and Kent Stapleton of Boca Raton, Florida; and Jeriann and Ricky Speed of Mansfield, Texas; six grandsons, Ryan and Shaynah Riddle of Norman, Oklahoma; Keegan and Jessica Riddle of Edmond, Oklahoma; Cody and Jana Stapleton of Bradenton, Florida; Kelly and Merry Stapleton of New York City, New York; Jacob and Jade Speed of Columbus, Ohio; and Jordan Speed and fiancée, Erika of Roanoke, Texas; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Jack Watson of Holly, Colorado; and sister Joann King of Turpin, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; brothers, Bobbie Lee Watson, Ross Watson, Jr., Bill Watson, Tom Watson, and Jim Watson; sisters, Mildred Walker, Alta VonHemel, Lois VonHemel, Betty Jean Watson and Chlorine Watkins; and great-grandson Aiden Allen Riddle.

Memorial donations can be made to the Josephine Goodboo Watson Memorial Scholarship fund, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 1326, Miami, Oklahoma 74355.

A memorial service will be held at the Methodist Church, Elgin, Oklahoma, at a date yet to be determined. Cremation arrangements for Mr. Watson were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.