Clarence Ollian Watson, 91, of Festus died Oct. 16, 2017, at his home. Mr. Watson was a World War II and Korean War veteran of the U.S. Army and later served in the Army National Guard and Missouri National Guard. He was also a committed St. Louis Cardinals fan who never missed a game, first by radio and then by television, as well as a St. Louis Blues and Roller Derby fan. His main joys were his wife and children, roller skating, singing, building and repairs, mechanical work, and being a grandfather or “PawPaw.” He was a hard worker at Coca-Cola, Tom’s Peanuts, Benson & Roth, Ford Garage, Charlie Waldron, NAAPA, and Jim Kirby, retiring at 85. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City and VFW Post 3777. Born May 31, 1926, in Flat River, he was the son of the late Jetta L. (Oelsen) and William A. Watson.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years: Wanda Fay (Carrow) Watson; a sister: Oneida (the late Harold) Crader of St. Louis; two half sisters: Marilyn (Tom) Pritchard of Ironton and Janie (John) Mueller of St. Peters; two half brothers: Ralph (Charlotte) Watson of Affton and Donald (Constance) Watson of Farmington; a sister-in-law: Dorothy Watson of Farmington; a daughter: Brenda (Mark) Campbell of Nixa; two sons: Jason Vaughn of Festus and Bradley D. (Marisa) Watson of St. Peters; a special grandson: Alexander Watson of Festus, the son of his late son, as well as nine other grandchildren: Jetta (Nathan) House of Springfield, Jenae Campbell of Springfield, Jeree Campbell of Orlando, Fla., Jennifer (Jon) Hymer of Union, Douglas (Rachel) Watson of Raleigh, N.C., Cindy Watson of St. Peters, and Matthew, Aurora, and Crystal Vaughn of Festus; and six great-grandchildren: Joah, Jazer, Jessiah and Judah House of Springfield and Leah and Sara Hymer of Union.
He was preceded in death by a son: Clarence Ollian Watson II; a daughter; Angela (the late Dennis) Robison; four brothers: Harlan Watson, Willard (Lawana) Watson, Darrell Watson and Johnny Watson; and three sisters: Wilma Watson, Dora (the late Robert) Stewart and Belva Mae (the late Al) Leigh.
A funeral service was held Oct. 19 at Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus, officiated by Chaplain Gary Eubanks. Burial with full military honors was in the National Cemetery in Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the Hematite Fire Department, 3067 Meyer Rd., Festus, 63028. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.