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.
Terri, Wendy, Jeriann … your beautiful parents made such an impression on all of us at Elgin HS.
I can close my eyes today and still see Jerry standing with arms crossed at the end of the court during every basketball game waiting to cheer us on. We would run to the lobby to get a cold drink of water and he would be there giving each one of us encouragement. I remember him saying to me one night during halftime of a stellar game — “you’re crushing it kid, keep it up!” with his bright smile.
What beautiful people, what encouraging words they always seemed to share with us.
I have deep love in my heart for both Jerry and Nornell and I am grateful they are together again in heaven.
May you all be blessed with the LOVE they still share with you deep inside your hearts and lives, and may Godspeed them both onward in their next beautiful adventure together.
We are thinking of you all …
Leslie and the Horacek family
Please accept my sincere condolences, my heart was saddened to hear of Mr. Jerry Watson’s passing. Ms Nornell & Mr. Jerry were beautiful people, also their Children, I Loved them & their children. They will be greatly missed. May God Bless You All!
I pour out my deepest condolences and warm hugs during this heartbreaking time. for everyone Your father will always be remembered as an incredible dad and beautiful man who has joined his beautiful loving wife in heaven. The King and Queen will always be watching over their love ones. At this time and forever more, Enjoy all the wonderful memories that you all have stored and everyone who knew both of them, and will always be enjoyed. Your parents are joined again Hallelujah!
Thank you so much Vicky. We all agree Mom and Dad are joined again in heaven and no longer separated. Hallelujah indeed!
Jerry and Nornell and their 3 beautiful daughters were my neighbors for my school year days in Elgin. He was such a lovely, caring and giving man to everyone who knew him. All were always welcome in his home and I never knew anyone who didn’t love Jerry. Prayers to his beautiful family in the loss of a wonderful man. He’ll be playing golf in heaven and holding hands with sweet Nornell.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️❤️
Love from the Don Von Hemel family. Jerry and Dad were uncle and nephew, close friends and classmates. We send you all comfort and peace knowing he lived a long productive life.
Thank you, Pam. Dad was so proud that he and Mom stood up for your parents at their wedding. Your dad was very special to him.
Thanks so much, Pam. Our fathers were great friends in addition to being relatives.
I could type (manual typewriter) fast! Jerry Wayne was always faster with no mistakes.!! He never said a word, he looked at me with his copyright smile.. Love you forever , Uncle Jerry