Bill Dean Watson
May 14, 1944 — September 29, 2024
Bill Dean Watson of Eureka, died on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Greenwood County Hospital, in Eureka, at the age of 80.
He was born May 14, 1944, in rural Wayside, Kansas, the son of James Albert and Rosa Ethelda (Atkinson) Watson. He was raised in the Wayside area and graduated from Independence High School. He later attended Independence Community College.
On February 14, 1964, Bill was united in marriage to Karen Louise Kennedy in Nowata, Oklahoma. To this union three children were born.
He dedicated his life to the land, starting on the family farm in Wayside until 1981 when they moved to Eureka and purchased their own farm. Bill's passion for farming never wavered, and he continued to work the land until the very end of his life. Karen preceded him in death on September 9, 2022.
Bill was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes about his character. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to his neighbors and friends, and he was a devoted father and grandfather. Bill will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and love of the land.
He was a member of the Wayside Christian Church.
He is survived by his children, James and wife, Nancy Watson of Eureka; Brian and wife, Kristin Watson of Abingdon, Maryland; and Jennifer and husband, Matthew Peterson of Clay Center; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, and all three siblings, John Watson, Richard Watson, and Mark Watson.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, October 4, 2024, at Greenwood Cemetery, Eureka. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the American Heart Association. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online, at koupfunerals.com.
He was born May 14, 1944, in rural Wayside, Kansas, the son of James Albert and Rosa Ethelda (Atkinson) Watson. He was raised in the Wayside area and graduated from Independence High School. He later attended Independence Community College.
On February 14, 1964, Bill was united in marriage to Karen Louise Kennedy in Nowata, Oklahoma. To this union three children were born.
He dedicated his life to the land, starting on the family farm in Wayside until 1981 when they moved to Eureka and purchased their own farm. Bill's passion for farming never wavered, and he continued to work the land until the very end of his life. Karen preceded him in death on September 9, 2022.
Bill was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes about his character. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to his neighbors and friends, and he was a devoted father and grandfather. Bill will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and love of the land.
He was a member of the Wayside Christian Church.
He is survived by his children, James and wife, Nancy Watson of Eureka; Brian and wife, Kristin Watson of Abingdon, Maryland; and Jennifer and husband, Matthew Peterson of Clay Center; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, and all three siblings, John Watson, Richard Watson, and Mark Watson.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, October 4, 2024, at Greenwood Cemetery, Eureka. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the American Heart Association. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online, at koupfunerals.com.
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