Paul Vernon Watson, 90, of Henderson passed away March 21, 2023 at his home. Funeral services were held on March 24 at Estes Church of Christ with Jim Watson officiating.
He was born Sept. 11, 1932 in Octa, Mo. He graduated from Parma High School in Parma, Mo. He married the love of his life Anna Lee Bridges on Dec. 8, 1950 and went on to serve four years in the Air Force. After leaving the military, he attended college at Freed-Hardeman in Henderson and Abilene Christian in Abilene, Texas. He was a minister for the Church of Christ for over 50 years in Texas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Missouri, Alabama and Tennessee until declining health prevented full-time work.
He and Anna recently celebrated 72 years of marriage and a combined 90th birthday party. He enjoyed being a gospel preacher, helping the less fortunate, fishing, quail hunting, all things farm life and always a good joke. He had a zest for life and never met a stranger. He loved people and regardless of the topic, he would always steer the conversation to the Lord and his faith. During his lifetime, he was a tireless worker for the Lord and led countless souls to Christ. Hebrews 13:16 sums up his life: “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices, God is well pleased.”
He is survived by his wife, Anna Lee Bridges Watson of Henderson; two daughters, Donna (Mark) Crisp of Mt. Juliet and Lana (Harold) Pirtle of Henderson; one son, Steve (Alisa) Watson of Gurley, Ala.; sister-in-law, Ruthann Watson; brother-in-law Tom Yates; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Willie Watson of Parma, Mo., and all six of his siblings, Dorothy (Junior) Reeves, Venita (R.D.) Woods, Dean (Lindy) Belew, Curt Watson, Jo Ann Yates and Terry (Ken) Hudgens.
