Marion Watson

MARION WATSON Marion Steven Watson, son of Melvin Dowty and Ruth Ann Kropp Watson, was born September 15, 1921 in Reserve, Kansas. He departed this life, Monday, August 11, 2008 in Osage Beach Health Care, Osage Beach, Missouri at the age of eighty-six years, ten months and twenty-seven days. In 1944, he was united in marriage to Lois M. Cox and to this union one son was born. She preceded him in death in 1946. On September 21, 1946, he married Ruby Lillian Wilkinson and to this union four children were born. She preceded him in death in 1973. He married Bertha June Sopok on December 27, 1974 in Springfield, Missouri and together they have shared the past thirty-three years. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Linda Watson and a great-granddaughter, Madalyn Trandum. Survivors include his loving wife, Bertha of the Osage Beach Health Care Center; four children, Bill Watson and wife Sharon of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Steve Watson and wife Tina of Macks Creek, Missouri, Robin Bruner-Hahn of Linn Creek, Missouri and Dowty Watson and wife Leisa of Montreal, Missouri; twelve grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Marjorie Jones of Hiawatha, Kansas and a host of many friends. Marion was raised in Kansas and after finishing high school, he served in the National Guard. After his term in the Guard, he began a career with Dart Trucking in Kansas City which spanned from 1944 to 1972. After his retirement he owned and operated MW Marine and Gun Service for many years. He first purchased land at the lake in 1946, quickly naming it "Copperhead Point" and moved the family there in 1960. Marion made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and was a member of Linn Creek Baptist Church. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association. He was a "jack-of-all-trades". There was never a challenge too large or too small. He could build, invent or create anything he set his mind to. He owned a metal lathe and mill and created many parts for folks through the years. Most of all, he enjoyed people. He never met a stranger and could be found most days feeding the geese and cats and visiting with customers and friends at Boat Ramp Service. Marion was a loving husband, father and grandfather and brother was a caring neighbor and friend. He was a great man and his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of his friends and family. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 14, 2008 in Linn Creek Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Percival Cemetery, Linn Creek. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday in the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Blue Moon Sanctuary and left at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton.