William Michael "Mikie" Watson, 45, of Festus died March 4, 2026, at Fountainbleau Nursing Center in Festus. Mr. Watson worked as a lumberman and firewood producer. He enjoyed fishing, using a potter's wheel for pottery and listening to music. He was a born-again Christian and a member of the Sandy Baptist Church. He will be remembered as a risk-taking thrill seeker. Born March 25, 1980, in Crystal City, he was the son of Jerrie Ann (Cook) Manning of Festus and Michael Lee Watson.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by a daughter: Olive "Haelunn" Watson of Indiana; two sisters: Brandellan (Chad) Alexander of Festus and Kimber LeeAnn Manning of Pevely; three nephews: EJ Manning, Kobe and Kole Alexander; and his stepfather: Douglas Lee Manning.
Visitation will be from 5:30-8 p.m. Monday, March 9, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Visitation will resume from 1 p.m. until services at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at Sandy Baptist Church, 9331 Sandy Baptist Church Road, in Hillsboro, officiated by Pastor Rylan Duckworth. Burial will be in Sandy Cemetery in Hillsboro. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.