Cpt. Meyer Joseph "Mike" Watson

"Mike passed away quietly and peacefully in his sleep due to heart failure Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 1:00 am at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. His wife and best friend of fifty years, Jerri, was at his bedside. Mike was born January 21, 1945 in Natchez, Mississippi, and was a longtime resident of Baton Rouge. Mike began his career as a deckhand and attended Marine School in New Orleans and Memphis. He became a pilot for American Commercial Barge Line in 1968 and then became a member of the New Orleans Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association in 1972. He retired after 35 years. Mike enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He liked his ball games and spending time at the casinos. Mike and Jerri hosted many memorable Super bowl parties at their camp. He will be greatly missed by his large family and many friends who were touched by his kind and generous spirit. Mike was known to put others before himself. In addition to his wife, Mike is survived by his brother, Capt. William O. Watson Jr. (Shirley), his sisters Patsy Watson, Judi Jarreau, and Suzie Dendy (Billy Joe), his sister and brothers in law Mary Moore (Capt. Dan), Joan Oliveaux (Richard), Jean Shackelford, and Charles Shackelford (Sandy). He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Capt. W.O Watson and Lucille Taylor Watson, siblings Betty Henderson, Jimmy Watson, Sammy Watson and Robert Watson and his mother and father in law Charles and Edith Shackelford. Pallbearers will be John Beech, Dr. Chuck Moore, Kevin Longino, William O. Watson IV, Capt. William O. Watson III, and Jason Walker. Honorary pallbearers will be Capt. William O. Watson Jr, Capt. Dan Moore, Capt. David Shirah, Greg Allen, Billy Joe Dendy, Capt. Henry Pecue, Lyle Walker, Shane Blouin, and Jerry Lee Duplantis. Visitation will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East 11000 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, La 70815, Wednesday, May 23 from 5pm until 8:30pm. Visiting will resume at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 15615 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70817 on Thursday, May 24 from 9:30 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am, with the Rev. Phil Spano, celebrant. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816. The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin Kilpatrick, PA Sara, and Nurse Bridget. Special thanks to Judi Jarreau.