Paul E. Watson

Paul Eugene Watson, 73, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully April 15, 2015, surrounded by his family. Born April 5, 1942 in Thomasville, MO; he was the son of Cecil Paul and Lura (Miller) Watson. He married the love of his life, Ella “Frances” Hillhouse on January 21, 1961.

Paul was a member of a local Rockford Masonic Lodge and he retired as a machinist after many years of loyal employment.

An avid fisherman, he enjoyed hunting, shooting pool, fish fry’s, cook-outs, driving his 1923 Ford T-Bucket and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Ella “Frances” Watson; daughters, Brenda (Paul) Jones and Paula (Michael) Caldwell; grandchildren, Jason and Joshua Jenkins, Heather and James Caldwell; great-grandchildren, Dalton, Nevaeh, Ashley, Matthew, Tiffany, Edward, Jonathan, Ryan, and Dee; sisters, Sheila Watson and Debbie Gates; brothers, Michael (Connie) Foster, Charles (Robin) Watson, and Jeff (Francis) Haigwood; special brother-in-law, William Hillhouse; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Maxine Parks and Micky Hastings.

Funeral service 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2015, at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, 7000 W. State Street. Visitation 1-2 p.m. Saturday April 18, 2015 at the funeral home. Interment in Willwood Burial Park. Online condolences may be submitted at advantagerockford.com