Fred Binder WATSON

WATSON, MRSHALL, BILEK, TOLLEFSON, ASHER, MEGGITT

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:48

Fred Binder Watson
5 June 1889 --- 10 October 1966

Fred B. Watson, son of Abrigal and Charles Watson was born in Arcola, Ill., June 5, 1889, and died Monday Oct. 10th, 1966.

Fred was six when the Watson family came to Eagle Grove. While still in his teens he followed a boyhood dream and ambition by becoming a railway locomotive engineer for the Chicago and Northwestern Railway. He retired in 1957 after 47 years of service.

Firmly established in this lifework, he was married to Mae Marshall. They became parents of two daughters: Hazel Watson Bilek and Mildred Tollefson. The mother of his daughters died in 1932.

The next several years - guiding and counseling his daughters alone - Fred was always an understanding and devoted father. He extended his fatherly understanding and love to his granddaughter, the years she made her home with him.

Fred's love for his daughters and granddaughter was ever present and he expressed it each time he spoke of them.

In 1947 he was married to Ada Asher. His love of family then reached out to his wife's children and grandchildren. Ada Watson preceded him in death in 1962.

He leaves to be blessed by his memory his daughters, Hazel and Mildred and granddaughter, Barbara; stepsons, Donald and Eldon Asher and four step-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister, Wanda Meggitt of Iowa City and brothers, Jess and Oved of Eagle Grove, James of Eugene, Oregon, and Cecil of Newton.

Truly during Fred's lifetime his hand was on life's throttle and his eye was ever watchful of all he cherished.

Funeral services were held Oct. 13th in the First Baptist Church, Eagle Grove with the pastor Rev. Arthur Anderson officiating. Burial was in Rose Hill cemetery.

EAGLE GROVE EAGLE --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, October 27, 1966

Source -- Paul Wilde