Horace Watson

H.B. "Hank" Watson, Jr. of Oklahoma City passed away at his home on Wednesday, February 8th. He was born February 21, 1927 in Henderson, Texas. Hank grew up in east Texas, the son of a rancher, riding a school bus to Charlotte, Texas, a town of about 500. After graduating from high school, Hank joined the navy, serving in WWII on a destroyer in the Pacific. In 1946, after Hank's honorable service to our country, he went to SMU, where he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. In June of 1951, as a member of both the Texas and Oklahoma bars, Hank took his first job as a lawyer in Tulsa, with the Legal Department of Stanolind Oil & Gas, better known as Amoco. In 1953 Hank entered private practice in Tulsa, specializing in oil and gas. In 1966, Hank teamed with Barth Walker and formed the Oklahoma City firm of Walker & Watson. In 1971, Hank and the beloved, Buck McKenzie, established one of Oklahoma's most respected and honored oil and gas firms, Watson & McKenzie. Hank later served as Of Counse1 to the law firm of Hall, Estill until his retirement in 1996. In 2006, Hank was the recipient of the prestigious Eugene Kuntz Award for Leadership in Natural Resources Law and Policy. Hank was active in his church, All Souls Episcopal in Oklahoma City serving on the vestry as junior and senior warden. He participated in and supported the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, the United Way, Allied Arts Circle Club, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Oklahoma Museum of Art and was a champion for Habitat for Humanity. Hank also assisted countless young people in pursuing their educational endeavors. Hank is survived by his wife, Barbara Fruit Watson, and daughter, Karen Watson, both of Oklahoma City. His grandchildren include Clay Holmboe and wife, Rebecca of Oklahoma City; Luke Holmboe of Denver Co.; Kathryn Holmboe of Kansas City, Mo; Tobi Crockett and husband, Lloyd of Oklahoma City; David Watson of Denver, Co; Kim Robbins and husband, Peter of Fort Worth, Tx.; John Coleman and wife, Lisa of Salina, Ks.; Kent Coleman and wife, Melissa of Oklahoma City; and Kathryn Lyons and husband, George of Tulsa. He is survived by great grandchildren Tally Holmboe; Kassidy and Caleb Crockett; Daniel and Jason Robbins; Jonathan, Jessica and Jillian Coleman; Preston and Pierce Coleman; and Marcus and David Lyons. Hank was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Barbara Rodgers Watson, and his son, Mark L. Watson.

Hank epitomized the professional lawyer---his ethics and professionalism were irreproachable, and his dedication and hard work on behalf of his clients and co-workers were unsurpassed. Victory, according to Hank, could be claimed by a lawyer only if he or she steadfastly adhered to ethical principles while pursuing the client's best interests. The family wants to express their thanks and gratitude to Kris Gibson and Frank and Gabriela Escalante. Services to celebrate Hank's life will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, February 13th, at All Souls Episcopal Church, 6400 North Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City, OK. 73116, under the direction of Reverend Patrick E. Bright. A reception will follow the service in the Parrish Hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to All Souls Episcopal Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.