Victor Watson

Victor N. Watson, age 80 years, a resident of rural Simpson, passed away unexpectedly Sunday evening, September 20, 2015, at 8:15 PM at the Harrisburg Medical Center. Victor was born November 19, 1934 near the Glendale community in Pope County Illinois. He was the son of Thomas Jefferson Watson and Mae (Milliken) Watson. On December 8, 1956, Victor was united in marriage to Rajeane Mizell at the Glendale United Methodist Church. Together, Victor and Rajeane enjoyed almost 59 years of marriage. In addition to his wife, Victor is survived by: his sons – Chris (Lynell) Watson of Simpson and Tim (Kerry) Watson of Palestine; grandchildren – Rylee Watson, Brett (Veronica) Watson, Brock Watson, and Blake (Jessica) Curry, great grandchildren – Lakota and Aubrey; stepsisters – Brenda (Barney) Butler of Harrisburg and Shirley (Bob) Pitts of McLeansboro; a brother-in-law – Larry (Barbara) Mizell of Simpson and a sister-in-law – Lanelle Evitts Cannon of Harrisburg; as well as special nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends who were loved like family. Victor was preceded in death by his parents – Thomas J. Watson and Mae Watson Bailey, his step-father – Clarence Bailey; his father-in-law & mother-in-law – Wayne and Wilma Mizell; and brothers-in-law – Donald Evitts and Ed Cannon. Victor served honorably in the U.S. Army from December 1957-December 1959. Victor was employed as an agronomy foreman at the Dixon Springs Agriculture Center. He retired November 1, 1988 with 35 years of service. Victor was a devoted and faithful member of the Glendale United Methodist Church. For many years, he had served on the Glendale Cemetery board. Victor was also a member of the American Diabetic Association, the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.) and was an active member of the Modern Woodman camp # 4124. Victor loved hunting. He especially loved to rabbit hunt with his beagles. He also loved fishing and he passed this love of the outdoors to his sons. He taught them to fish, hunt and play ball. Victor was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the University of Kentucky Wildcats. He enjoyed collecting eagle figurines and knives. Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon, September 24, 2015, at 1 PM at the Glendale United Methodist Church. Pastor Michael Shearer will officiate and a eulogy will be delivered by Pastor David Wright. Burial will be in the Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be conducted Wednesday evening, September 23, 2015, from 6 PM – 9 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna and from 12 Noon – 1 PM Thursday at the Glendale United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Glendale United Methodist Church, c/o Ellen Broom, 2070 Rushing Road, Simpson, Illinois 62985 or may be directed to the family.

Victor Watson

November 19, 1934 - September 20, 2015