Dwain L. Watson

Dwain L. Watson, 72, a longtime resident of Parsons, died at 11:07 p.m., Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Center at the Via Christi St. Francis Campus in Wichita, where he entered February 22. His death followed a brief illness. He was born March 28, 1939 in Altamont, Kansas, the son of Clarence H. and Lorene V. (DeBolt) Watson. In 1945, he moved with his family to Parsons. He attended McKinley Elementary School, West Junior High School and graduated from Parsons High School in 1957. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1961. Following his discharge, he was employed with Martin Tractor in Topeka. In 1963, he returned to Parsons where he worked with his father at Watson Alignment Company. From 1965 to 1973, he owned and operated the former Skelly Service Station at 16th & Main. He was later employed with SunGraphics for over 20 years before becoming a self-employed carpenter. After his retirement, he was a driver for several companies including Good Will Tours of Erie, Parsons Class Limited and Around the Clock medical service in Parsons and Pittsburg. He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church and the Parsons Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the Parsons Elk's Lodge, where he had served as President for two terms and the Good Sam's Club. He was pleased to help with the construction of the water garden at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home. He enjoyed flying and, at one time, belonged to a local flying club. In earlier years, he enjoyed boating at Grand Lake. He loved to travel and had toured with his motorcycle and RV. His favorite times were spent with his family and friends. He and Helen Marie Clarke were married July 19, 1959 in Parsons. They were later divorced. He and Mary Etta Mathis were married September 16, 1977 at the former Washington Avenue Methodist Church in Parsons. She survives of the home. SURVIVORS: Wife - Mary Etta Watson of the home Two Sons - Don Watson Parsons, KS Doug Watson and his wife, Cindy Wichita, KS Two Grandchildren – David and Rachel Watson Wichita, KS One Stepson – Greg Neal and his wife, Robin Tampa, FL Two Step-Grandchildren – Bryan and Taylor Neal Tampa, FL Two Sisters – Dolores Kyle and her husband, Bob Coffeyville, KS Dixie Cummings Chanute, KS One Niece; One Nephew and Three Great-Nephews He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald, who was fatally injured in an auto accident April 25, 1954. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 8, 2012 at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Parsons. The family will receive friends at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery, with military honors given by the V. F. W. Brown-Bishop Post No. 704 in Parsons. Memorials are suggested to the Wesley United Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dwain L. Watson, please visit our flower store.