John C. (Jay) Watson

John C. (Jay) Watson
John C. (Jay) Watson

John C. (Jay) Watson, 95, of Sanford, Texas embarked on his final journey on September 6, 2020, joining many friends and family members who have gone before him.

 
John was born in Littlefield, Texas on August 11, 1925, to Myrtle Westbrook Watson and Vaughn Watson Sr. (Jack).  He and his four younger siblings were placed in the Baptist Orphans’ Home in Oklahoma City after the death of his mother in 1935. John lived there until he was 14. He then went to live with the Jencks family on their farm near Cheyenne, Oklahoma.  He was grateful for the values instilled and the learning opportunities afforded him, there and at the Baptist Home.
 
At the age of 18, after receiving his draft notice, he chose to leave school and join the U. S. Navy. He served two and one-half years on the USS Sheridan as a Gunners’ Mate. Due to the ending of WW II, he narrowly missed promotion to Third Petty Officer. He was very proud to have been anchored near the USS Missouri when Japanese officials signed the instrument of surrender bringing an end to the war.
 
In 1946, he married Martha Frances Green in McCook, Nebraska. From this union, four children were born.
 
After working at farming and a year for Eastern States Construction in Houston, he went to work for Phillips Petroleum Company at the Borger Philblack Plant.  He moved his family to Sanford, Texas. There, Jay built his home and reared his children. He retired from Phillips as an Industrial Instrument Technician in 1985. 
 
He had a profound effect on his family and was an integral part of their lives.
 
John was a quiet, somewhat shy man who helped so many because it was the “right thing to do.”
 
John was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Frances Green Watson; brother, Frank; sisters, Betty Lou Comer, and Lahoma Gwendolyn Brown; grandson, Ronald Jay Gould; and a great-granddaughter, Jaicee Erin Ellis.
 
Survivors include his brother, Vaughn Watson Jr.  (Jack) of Lake Jackson TX; daughters, Linda Gould of Houston, and Wanda Buchanan of Fritch, TX; and two sons, Don Watson and wife Elizabeth of Fritch, and Kenneth Watson of Sanford. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  He is so loved and will be missed by many.
 
The family would like to thank the Interim Hospice staff and our in-home caregivers, Tracey, Sheila, Shelly, Cathy, and Martha for all of their hard work, love, and friendship. 
 
No services will be held. 

12 Replies to “John C. (Jay) Watson”

  1. I’m sorry I didn’t know you but you have lived a long life and and I can tell many people will miss you! Your picture and history shows a lot about your life and family! Rest in Peace!

  2. You and your family are in our prayers!
    We love you all!
    Uncle J. C. was loved and respected by all of us!
    We are deeply saddened by your loss!
    Sending love and hugs for your beautiful family! I
    ❤️🤟🙏

  3. I miss you so very much Papa! Things will never be the same without you. You were the Dad you didnt have to be and u taught me SO much! All my love, Sherry.

  4. Thinking of all his wonderful family at this sad time. I know he will be so very missed, as he was the center of your family.

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