William Watson Sr.

SIKESTON, Mo. -- William Watson Sr., 87, of Sikeston died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003, at Sikeston Convalescent Center.

He was born April 24, 1916, in Friars Point, Miss., son of David and Matilda Watson. He and Millie Holmes were married Aug. 8, 1936, in Proctor, Ark. She died in May 2000.

Watson retired from International Shoe Co. and then worked at Ferguson Medical Clinic several years. He was a member of Greer's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, served on the deacons board many years and became an ordained minister. He later became pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Henson.

Survivors include three sons, Cleve Watson of Colorado Springs, Colo., William Watson Jr. of North Pole, Alaska, Floyd Watson of Santa Ana, Calif.; a daughter, Pearl Williams of Redlands, Calif.; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son.

Friends may call at Greer's Church from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday.

The funeral will be at noon Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Melvin Williams officiating. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery at Sikeston.

Williams-Farr and Purnell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.