William Lee “Bill” Watson, 91, of Meriden, died Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka. 

He was born November 28, 1929 at Madison, KS, the son of Frank and Mary Ruth Schmolzi Watson. He was a 1948 graduate of Oskaloosa High School. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of the Korean War, serving October 15, 1948 to October 10, 1952.  He retired in 1993 after 40 years of working as a tire builder and maintenance man at the Good Year Company in Topeka. 

He was a member of Rubber Worker’s Union Local # 307 in Topeka.  He was a charter member,  life member and Past Commander of Ozawkie American Legion Bicentennial Post #225 and Meriden V.F. W. Post # 10815, as well as a member of the Tin Can Sailors of America. Bill served on Post #225 American Legion Honor Guard for many years. 

He married Mary F. Edwards on November 23, 1955 at Winchester, She survives at the home in  Meriden. He is also survived by a son, Rick Watson, Meriden and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four sisters, Mary Irwin, Virginia Vibert, Esther Pugh, and Ethel Gooch and three brothers, Kenneth Watson, Randal Watson and Frank Watson, Jr.

 A Grave Side Service will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at Meriden Cemetery. Family and friends may call at Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Monday, August 23rd.  Memorials suggested to Jefferson County Humane Society in care of the Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS   66066.  www.barnettfamilyfh.com