Melvin L. Watson

Melvin L. Watson April 23, 1918 - September 12, 2010 COLUMBUS, GA— Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Ret) Melvin L. Watson, age 92, resident of Columbus, passed away on September 12, 2010 at his residence. Funeral services will be held at the Chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus on Friday, September 17, 2010, 3 p.m. with Pastor Donnie Cook officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, September 16, 2010 from 6-8 p.m. Mr. Watson, son of the late Major Kingston Watson and Lelia Herring Watson, was born April 23, 1918. He joined the Army at the age of 17 and served his country honorably for 28 years. Mr. Watson was a veteran of three wars, seeing service in England and France during World War II, the Korean Era Conflict, and Vietnam Era Conflict. He retired from active service in 1965 and entered the civilian workforce. After a career in the automobile service industry in Columbus, Mr. Watson fully retired at the age of 62 in 1980. Mr. Watson was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church for a number of years where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. He and his wife, Frances joined Liberty Baptist Church in 1989. He continued serving joyfully as a Deacon and a member of the choir. Mr. Watson is survived by a younger brother, Calvin Watson and his wife Peggy of The Villages, Florida; two sons, Dreck Watson and his wife Jan of Columbus, Georgia and Richard Watson and his wife Barbara of Austin, Texas; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Mr. Watson leaves behind a legacy of caring compassion, deep patriotism, love of family and an abiding faith in Jesus Christ. Donations may be made to Columbus Hospice House at www.columbushospice.com. Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.