Kenneth Woodrow Watson

On August 7, 2025, heaven gained one of its most colorful characters. Kenneth Woodrow Watson—devoted husband, proud father, grandfather, and loyal friend—passed away at the age of 77 following a tragic cycling accident.

Ken was born and raised in Parowan, Utah, the beloved son of Woodrow Williams Watson and Dora LaRue Watson. A proud graduate of Parowan High School, he was a talented athlete, playing football, basketball, and tennis. During those years, he met Jerrolyn “Jerri” Benson, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life. They were married on September 27, 1968, in the St. George Utah Temple and spent 56 beautiful years together.

He earned his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Utah and went on to own and operate a successful civil engineering firm, EWP Engineering, for many decades. His leadership and expertise shaped civil engineering projects throughout the Wasatch Front, leaving a lasting mark on Utah communities.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ken served faithfully throughout his life in many capacities, including scout leader, youth leader, and bishopric counselor. He and Jerri served a service mission together in Salt Lake City, and he was serving as an ordinance worker in the Draper Utah Temple at the time of his passing. His faith was a guiding force in his life, and his family takes comfort in the knowledge of eternal families, rejoicing in his sweet reunion with his two children, Jennie and Brady.

Outside of work and church service, Ken lived large. He loved boating at Lake Powell, deer hunting on Beaver Mountain with his favorite people, running marathons, golfing at Willow Creek Country Club with his golfing buddies, cycling, riding his side-by-side to Mount Trumble, watching western movies (always in black and white), and cheering on his grandkids at every football, basketball, baseball, and dance/cheer competition—no matter where it was in Utah. He was famous for his “no filter” approach to conversation and his slightly inappropriate but always good-hearted sense of humor. If Ken teased you, it meant he liked you. If he offended you, it meant he loved you. He often called himself a “wrinkled wallet”—because, in his words, “These daggum kids are always into my daggum wallet.”

He is survived by his loving wife, Jerrolyn Benson Watson; children, KeriLyn (Garet) Hammond, Lori (JC) Hall, Jason (Ashlee) Watson, and Brandon (Lisa) Watson; 24 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; his brother Ralph Watson; and many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Jennie, his son Brady, and his sister Carolyn Bigelow.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the many earthly and heavenly angels who surrounded Ken in his final moments. To the guardian angels who were first on the scene, the dedicated first responders, and the skilled doctors and nurses who cared for him with such compassion—thank you. We are also profoundly grateful to the countless neighbors and friends who have lifted us with their prayers, stopped by with food and drinks, and wrapped us in love during this difficult time. Your kindness has been a source of strength and comfort we will never forget.

Services:

A viewing will be held Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM, and again Friday, August 15, 2025, from 9:00–10:30 AM at 8170 S Short Hills Drive (3425 E), Cottonwood Heights, UT. Funeral services will follow on Friday at 11:00 AM, with interment at Memorial Mountain View Estates Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT.

The family invites all who knew and loved Ken to join in honoring and celebrating his remarkable life.

Livestream available at: https://zoom.us/j/97741025389