Howard H Watson

Howard H. Watson, 87, of Vermilion, died Friday, August 15, 2014 at Mercy Regional Medical Center after a short illness. Howard was born September 19, 1926 in New Madre, MO and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 11 years moving from Elyria. He was a veteran of the United States Army earning two Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. Howard worked for Norfolk and Southern as a general yard master for 37 years retiring in 1987. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Vermilion and had been a member of the Church of the Open Door. He was also a member of the Golden Acorn 87th Infantry Div. and the American Legion, Elyria. He enjoyed collecting cars, trains, hunting, fishing, watching the Cleveland Indians, and especially enjoyed music and singing. He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Ruth (Bennett) Watson; sons, Harry (Ernesteen) Watson of Amherst and Kenneth (Pamela) Watson of Martell, NE; daughters, Izetta Bucher of Lorain, Peggy (Ronald) Down of Malcolm, NE, and Dianna Thornton of Lorain; step son, Craig (Cathy) Bennett of Vermilion; 17 grandchildren; 59 great grandchildren; 16 great great grandchildren; and a brother, Leon Watson of Huron. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Violet (nee Karnes) Watson, 2nd wife, Stella Watson; parents, Francis and Lucy (nee Wright) Watson; sisters, Sara Mitchem and Izetta Watson; brothers, Homer, Franklin, Chester, Sam, Dale, Carl, and George; and 2 infant brothers. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, OH. Funeral services will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 11:00 am at the funeral home. The Reverend David Hull-Frye will officiate. Interment will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst where the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors. The family suggests memorial contributions to Grace United Methodist Church, Coen and West Lake Roads, Vermilion, OH 44089. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.