Watson, Clifford Leroy, 1898-1977

WATSON, PRATT, SCHOOLEY, SNOOK, SPARKS, CHRISWELL, NAYLOR, JOHNSON, WESTERCAMP

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/15/2013 at 09:57:28

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; Aug. 8, 1977

RITES HELD FOR MR. WATSON, 79

Clifford Leroy Watson, 79, of Searsboro died July 30 at his home.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Searsboro Commmunity Friends Church, with the Rev. Irene Weitert officiating. Music was provided by Mamie Watson, organist; Paula and Alfred Steen, vocalists; and Diane James, accompanist. Pallbearers were David, Bruce, Gary and Richard Snook, Clifford Watson, and Carlon Chriswell. Honorary pallbearers were Stephen Sparks, Mark and Kevin Snook, Greg Watson, Anthony Naylor, and James and Kenneth Watson. All are grandsons of Mr. Watson. Flower attendants were Mr. Watson's granddaughters, Carol Westercamp, Susan Sparks, Cindy Chriswell, and Kathryn Watson.

Burial was at West Liberty Cemetery, with the Harden Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

The son of Fred and Martha Pratt Watson, he was born Jan. 8, 1898, northeast of Searsboro. On June 25, 1929, he was married to Edith Schooley at New Sharon. Mr. and Mrs. Watson made their home in Searsboro where Mr. Watson owned and operated a trucking business for 33 years. He also worked Fridays at the Grinnell Livestock Exchange for over 40 years.

Mr. Watson had served Searsboro as mayor, town clerk and water superintendent, and he also cared for the West Liberty Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife, Edith; seven children, Joan Snook of Searsboro, Marilyn Sparks of Lynnville, Richard Watson of Eldridge, Addie Mae Chriswell of Lincoln, Neb., Charles Watson of Des Moines, Maxine Naylor of Oskaloosa, and Robert Watson of Fremont; 25 grandchildren; and seven brothers and sisters, Ida, Leo, Alvah, and Lewis, all of Searsboro, Robey of Montezuma, and Alice Johnson and Viola of Searsboro.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Joe.