TAMMS, Ill. -- Ralph H. Watson, 88, of Olive Branch, Ill., died Saturday, March 1, 2003, at his home.

He was born Jan. 29, 1915, at Villa Ridge, Ill., the son of Ralph and Mary Mariah Hayden Watson. He grew up on the family farm near Villa Ridge and attended school at the Villa Ridge School and the Old Meridian School, later graduating from Mounds High School in Mounds, Ill.

Ralph served in the Illinois National Guard for 5 years and was drafted into the United States Army where he served during World War II in many of the major battles in Central Europe. He received medals for the Battle of the Bulge and the Rhine Invasion of Germany.

Upon returning to civilian life, he attended Southern Illinois University and became a licensed real estate broker. He worked as a petroleum distributor and real estate appraiser and broker throughout his adult life.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church at Olive Branch and was a member of the church board there until his health problems began. He was well known in his community and helped with many projects in the area.

He and Geneva Mae Duff were married Feb. 17, 1940, at Charleston, Mo. Geneva died Feb. 23, 1992.

Survivors include three daughters, Geneva Elaine Bonifield (Mrs. Charles Bonifield) of Cairo, Ill.; Susan Carol Shelton (Mrs. Boyd Shelton) of Jonesboro, Ark.; Mary Ruth Walts (Mrs. Richard Walts) of Bloomsdale, Mo.; three sisters, Lora Gladys Watson McClain of Mounds; Beulah Watson Howard of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Sarah Blanche Watson Brust of Huntington, W. Va.; two brothers, Lee Roy Watson and John Watson, both of Villa Ridge, six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Besides his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by an infant son, Ralph Lawrence Watson in 1940, and two brothers, Albert Van Watson and George Watson.

Friends may call at the Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, after 5 p.m. today. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Olive Branch Methodist Church in Olive Branch, with the Rev. Jerry Herring officiating.

Burial will be in the Olive Branch Cemetery on Route 3 in Olive Branch. Military graveside honors will be accorded by Pulaski County VFW Post 8891.

Memorials may be made to the Olive Branch Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church. Crain Funeral Home of Tamms is in charge of arrangements.