Virgil Watson 1931-2016
WATSON, WILSON, MCKEE, RETTIG, HARPER, SYFERT
Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 10/25/2016 at 11:13:00
Virgil E. Watson, 85, of Stockport, died October 4, 2016, at Sunnybrook Assisted Living in Fairfield. He was born April 23, 1931, on the family farm north of Stockport. Virgil was the youngest child of Cleo and Mamie Wilson Watson.
Virgil graduated from Stockport High School in 1948 where he participated in basketball and baseball. On December 14, 1950, he was united in marriage with Darleen McKee at the Stockport Methodist Church. Following high school Virgil worked at a factory in Fairfield, where they lived until moving to Stockport in 1953. He then worked for Shorty and Ike Workman at the Stockport Oil Company. In 1966 he became half owner of a plumbing, heating and electrical business with Kester Jones. His son, Brent, became a partner in the business in 1975. Virgil sold the business in 1990 to Dave Pforts and continued to work in the business until his retirement in 1996. After Darleen's retirement, they spent the next 10 years wintering in Apache Junction, AZ.
Virgil had been a volunteer on the Stockport Fire Department and was a member of the Iowa National Guard for 10 years. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Iowa Hawkeye fan. Virgil and Darleen also spent many evenings and weekends attending activities of their grandchildren. He thoroughly enjoyed playing cards, camping and Square dancing as well as sharing his homemade ice cream, chocolate chip cookies and caramel corn with his family and friends. Never without his-tool belt and tools, Virgil was always willing to lend a hand.
Virgil is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Darleen, a daughter, Annita Rettig (Richard) of Tripoli, a son, Jan Watson (Mary) of Urbandale, a sister, Eileen Harper of Fairfield, six grandchildren, Nathon Watson (Bonnie) of Stockport, Nicolas Watson (Alice) of Stockport, Garrett Rettig (Denise) of Coralville, Taylor Rettig (Jessica) of Cedar Falls, Parker Watson of Portland, OR, and Chloe Watson of Iowa City, 10 great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Brent Watson, a sister, Helen Syfert (Harold), a brother, Melvin Watson (Marcellene), and brother-inlaw, Jay Harper.
Funeral services were held October 7, 2016, at Stockport United Methodist Church with Rev. Herb Shafer and Pastor John Griffith officiating. Burial was in Spencer Cemetery, Stockport. Pedrick Funeral Home, Keosauqua, assisted the family with arrangements.
Source: Van Buren County Register; Keosauqua, IA; 13 Oct 2016
Van Buren Obituaries maintained by Rich Lowe.
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