William L. “Bill” Watson, age 95, of Marshall, died Monday, August 1, 2022, at The Living Center in Marshall.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Marshall with Rev. Wayne Doolin officiating.  Burial will follow in Ridge Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday at the church.  Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church and an online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com.

Born March 5, 1927, in rural Ashland, MO, he was the son of the late Jesse Otis Watson Sr. and Emma Dena Lewis Watson.  Bill was a 1946 graduate of Clinton High School in Clinton, MO.  On January 17, 1948 he married Jean Meloy who survives of the home.  His career was spent in the grocery business where he started out as a carry out assistant and ended it as a manager.  Bill and his family moved back to Marshall in 1968 where he managed A & P Grocery until his retirement.  Following retirement, he worked several years at Viking Athletic Goods in Marshall.  Bill was an active longtime member of First Baptist Church in Marshall where he was a deacon.

In addition to his wife, Jean; he is survived by three children: Jeanie Tucker (Ron) of Marshall, Jay William Watson (Julie) of Lee’s Summit and Ted L. Watson of Marshall; four grandchildren: Brian Tucker, Brent Tucker, Christopher Watson (Allison) and Matthew Watson; one great-grandson, Cole Tucker; as well as nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jesse Otis Watson Jr.; and one sister, Juanita Church.