Richard Frederick Watson

Richard Frederick Watson of Van Wert died at 12:50 p.m. Saturday, August 31, 2013, at Van Wert County Hospital in Van Wert.

He was born December 5, 1927, in Antwerp, the son of the late Frederick and Erma (Utterbach) Watson. He was married to Beverly (Campbell) Watson, who also preceded him in death.

Survivors include four daughters, Marcha (Dave) Waldron of Van Wert, Debbie Watson Van Wert, Vickie Hook of Wapakoneta and Connie White of Van Wert; a son, Terry (Dawn) Watson of Convoy; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Nancy Hamilton of Dallas, Texas, Judy Helly of Toledo and Pansy Kundiff of New Lebanon.

A son, Gary Richard Watson; and four brothers, Charles, Robert, Glenn and Carl Watson, also preceded him in death.

Mr. Watson retired from Dana Corporation in Fort Wayne, Ind., after 25 years of employment. He also did gardening and tree trimming for people in the Van Wert area. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving during the occupation of Japan. He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803 in Van Wert.

Some of his favorite activities included bowling (former member of American Bowling Congress), playing euchre, fishing, horseshoes, gardening, archery and watching Western movies and television shows.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 5, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Steve Savage officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, with graveside military rites performed by the combined honors units of VFW Post 5803 and American Legion Post 178, both of Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, September 4, at the funeral home.

Condolences may be left at www.bricknerfuneralhome.com or emailed to bricknerfuneralhome@bright.net.