John Robert Watson, of Mt. Ephraim, Ohio, passed away Sunday, April 1, 2012, at the age of 86. He was born October 9, 1925, to Garfield Blaine and Ellen Barker Watson. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Thomas A. Watson, Mary Watson Cook, Alva C. Watson, Harry G. Watson, and Laura Zona Watson Nicholson; and his children, John Robert Watson, II, Sandra Watson McDonald, and Peggy Watson Ruppel.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Janice Day Watson; his son, David A. (Kathy) Watson; five grandchildren, Lisa McDonald (David) Loos, Zachary R. Ruppel, Cassandra N. Watson, Paige R. Ruppel, and Heath D. Watson; three great-grandchildren, Christian, Will, and Lee Loos; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
John was a lover of the land and he was a successful businessman, as he maintained a beautiful 300-acre farm raising cattle. After the dispersal of his herd of registered Polled Herefords, he accepted a job with The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company, where he served as a salesman for twelve years, and earned a position in its Hall of Fame as a leading sales agent.
John was an avid sports fan of all sports, especially golf and basketball. He loved basketball, and he was a star player during his high school years at Sarahsville, which earned him a spot in the Noble County Hall of Fame. In addition, he played on a team with the United States Army, and was given a scholarship to the University of Kentucky. During his two years with the service, he earned the rank of staff sergeant and served as a cadre. He continued his love of basketball by driving the school bus for numerous Shenandoah High School teams in addition to his many years as a driver for the Noble Local School District.
Above all, John Watson was a family man who loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Whatever he did, he did well, with honor, and with class. He will be missed dearly by the many whose lives he has touched over the years.
Friends may call Thursday, April 5, 2012, from 4-8PM at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, where the funeral service will be observed Friday, April 6th at 1PM with Rev. Tom Matus and Rev. Steven Court officiating. A military graveside service will follow at Mt. Ephraim Cemetery conducted by the Noble County Veteran Service Organizations. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Ephraim United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 26, Senecaville, Ohio, 43780.
Living in Caldwell, Noble Co., OH in Apr 2001.
The following birth announcement appeared in The Times Recorder (Zanesville, OH) on Sep 3, 1964: Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Ruppel of Caldwell, a daughter, at good Samaritan, Sept 2.
The following birth announcement appeared in The Times Recorder (Zanesville, OH) on May 9, 1966: Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Ruppel of Caldwell, a daughter, at good Samaritan, May 7.