Dr. William W. Watson, 96, of De Soto died May 16, 2024, at his home. Dr. Watson retired as a dentist in 2004 having practiced in De Soto for 43 years. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1946 to 1953 flying 65 missions as a pilot during the Korean War. His activities and interests were varied and were rooted in his home state of Kentucky. Dr. Watson was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a handicapper of thoroughbred racing. He was a supporter of the University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball team. His love of the university was present from his bedroom/office dubbed the “Wildcat Room” to his “UK CATS” license plate and multiple articles of UK clothing. Dr. Watson was a former city councilman and two-term mayor for the City of De Soto. In 2018 he was recognized as a Distinguished Friend of De Soto Public Schools. He was a life member of VFW 1831, a member of Amvets Post 48, B.P.O.E. 689, Rotary, Shriners and served on the Amvets Flag Committee. Born May 13, 1928, in Clay, Ky., he was the son of the late Cleta (Gabhart) and Harve Watson. He was the stepson of the late Cordelia Watson.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years: Emma Lou (Hooker) Watson of De Soto; five children: Donna L. “Dee” (John “Pete”) Dawes of De Soto, Steve (Diane) Watson of St. Louis, Suzanne (Brian Dreckshage) Watson of Ballwin, William David (Jane) Watson of Lawrence, Kan., and Jeff (Paige) Watson of Union; a daughter-in-law: Cherie Watson of Jacksonville, Fla.; a nephew: Todd Watson; a niece: Robin (Watson) Telfian; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren: and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by two sons: Billy and Mike Watson; a nephew: Kelly Watson; and a brother: Bob Watson.
Visitation is scheduled from 3-7 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main, in De Soto. A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday, May 19, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the City Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice Care, 5272 Flat River Road, Park Hills, 63601, or the American Diabetes Assoc., P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.