Richard Macon Watson

Richard Macon Watson, 84, of Marion, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 9:10 pm at Parkway Manor.

Richard was born October 25, 1935 in Tulsa, Oklahoma the son of Robert Macon and Kathryn (Smith) Watson. 

He was in real estate sales.

Survivors include his:
Two sons;
  Col. Robert A. (Susan) Watson, US Army (Retired), Woodbridge, Virginia
  Kenneth L. Watson (Teresa), Kennesaw, Georgia
Four grandchildren;
  Andrew M. Watson, Woodbridge, Virginia
  Nicholas E., Matthew L., and Samuel W. Watson, Kennesaw, Georgia
Longtime loving companion – Isabel “Billie” Fryer, her children and grandchildren
Cousin – Virginia Lee Maurer, Gainesville, Florida
Cousin – Martha Storm, Gainesville, FloridaCousin - Marylou Jacob, Louisville, Kentucky

Preceded by Parents, Half-sister – Beverly Schultz

As a child, Richard lived in several cities throughout Oklahoma, including Tulsa, Lawton, Duncan, and Bartlesville.  He graduated from College High in Bartlesville, OK where he played trumpet in the high school band, and shortly afterward moved with his family to Spokane, WA where his father accepted a position as Division Sales Manager for Phillips Petroleum Company.  Richard attended the University of Washington in Seattle, and later graduated from Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA in 1960 with a B.A. in Economics.  Upon graduating from college he followed his father’s footsteps and went to work for Phillips Petroleum Company as a salesman, and later took a sales job with Lehigh Portland Cement Company.  Richard was transferred to Lehigh’s sales division in Miami, FL in December, 1968.  In 1974, he became a full time real estate salesman. 

Throughout his life, Richard took great interest in his family’s history and genealogy and documented much of it in words and pictures for his sons and grandsons to enjoy.  He loved history, and often spoke of his childhood memories of World War II and growing up in the post-World War II era.  He loved jazz music, and also enjoyed spirited discussions about current events and the politics of the day. Upon retiring he loved reading, watching old movies, and spending quality time with his loving companion of 35 years, Billie Fryer.

In accordance with his wishes no services will be held locally, burial will be in Okmulgee Cemetery in Oklahoma.  Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation.  Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, Illinois  62959.