Arthur E. Watson, 78, of Corbett, passed away Friday, March 27, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family. Art was born on April 12, 1936 in Winterton, NY; the son of the late Wilber and Dorothy (Barber) Watson. On October 18, 1958 Arthur married the former Regina Houck; a loving marriage until her death on May 3, 2013.
Art proudly served our grateful country in the United States Army from 1954- 1957. The leadership skills he learned in the military later helped him become the Downsville, Boy Scout Troop 14 leader; a position that he truly was passionate for. He was also a Commissioner for the Boy Scouts of America, Otschodela Council in Oneonta. Art was employed by Wassaic Developmental Center for 10 years and Sullivan County Wholesalers, Inc. in Liberty, NY as a truck driver for 15 years. He was a Lieutenant in the Amenia Civil Defence Auxiliary Police in 1966. He was a member of the Downsville American Legion Post #167. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Downsville NY and had been on the board of trustees for many years. He enjoyed fishing, collecting replica eagles, building doll houses and working with the Corbett Community Corporation.
He is survived by his loving family; his daughter: Delight Watson and Steve of Corbett, sons; Richard (Eleanor) Campbell of Wingdale, NY and James (Cassie) Watson of Corbett, grandchildren; Britney (Justin) and Brandon Ayers, Richard, Michael, Cameron, and Lacey Campbell, and Brandon Watson, great-grandchildren; Bentley and McKenna Kenyon,Shawn Campbell, Britanny Moxham, Julie Hannan, Analyse Campbell, Nathan Campbell, special grandchilden Grace and Alex Thill, brother; Glen “Luke” (Betty) Watson of Downsville, sisters; Charlotte Miller of Oneonta, Jeanette (Don) Byington of Manchester NJ, and Betty (Stan) Wonnell of Sedalia KY, sisters-in-law; Carol Watson of Pheonix AZ, and Carol Watson of Montrose CO, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Arthur is predeceased by his wife, Regina Watson, grand-daughter; Buffie-Jo, brothers; Michael, Billy and Don Watson, brother-in-law; William Miller.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, April 3, 2015 from 5 to 7PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton. A funeral service will be held the following day on Saturday, April 4 at 10 AM at the Colchester Community United Methodist Church, 15151 State Highway 30 in Downsville with Father Michael Shank, officiating. Military honors will follow at the conclusion of the service.
Memorial contributions in Art’s memory may be made to the Downsville American Legion Post #167, Downsville, NY. Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting www.courtneyfh.com.
