Paul Ralph Watson

Paul Ralph Watson, 84, passed away on March 31, 2024, in Holden, Missouri. Paul was born the seventh son of a seventh son to Ada Bell (Posey) Watson and Charles G. Watson of Earle, Arkansas, on April 30th, 1939.

Paul was raised as a sharecropper, where he quit school at a young age to help tend the farm.

He obtained his GED and joined the United States Army, where Paul proudly served.

After the military, Paul moved to the Kansas City area. Although he was a jack of all trades,  in career, he was a dedicated Heavy Machine Operator for Operating Engineers Union Local 101, from which he retired.

Paul will be remembered as an avid outdoorsman for his love of hunting and fishing, especially raccoon hunting. He spent many nights in the woods with his brothers, friends and children running the dogs. He found a sunny day by the pond and the woods at night to be peaceful and beautiful, and taught us to love it, as well.

He is survived by his sons: Robert Mark Watson, Paul Scott (Joyce) Watson; daughters: Stacey Lynn (Brian) Jenkins, Lora Beth (Shawn Williams) Watson; stepchildren: Michael R. Avery, Jacki M. (Keoki) Penny, Charles E. Avery; sister Gloria Willis;  sister-in-law: Jerrie Jo Goldsmith;  brother-in-law: John Thomas Cantrell, III and Kenneth Lee Renick, 10 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Paul also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Paul Ralph Watson was loved greatly and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Gail Watson; son Steve William Watson; his father: Charles G. Watson; mother: Ada Bell (Posey) Watson; eight brothers, and two sisters.

Graveside services will be held April 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Holden Cemetery in Holden, Missouri.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial contribution be made to Alzheimer’s Association at Alz.org or Holden Senior Center/Care Connection for Aging Services 605 E. 10th St. Holden, MO 64040