With great sadness, the family of Robert L. Watson (Bob) announces his peaceful passing on Monday, December 3, 2018 at age 92. He was active and healthy up to the end, and surrounded by family in the final hours of his wonderful life.
Bob was born to Leo and Mabel (Youngblood) Watson in Carterville, Illinois on February 19, 1926 as the youngest of three boys. He will be lovingly remembered by Charlotte, his wife of 67 years, daughters Ann and Karen, their spouses Ron and Richard, and grandchildren Anthony, Jenivieve, Sydney and Max, and coming soon great granddaughter. His boundless love for each of us will be cherished forever.
Bob earned a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Huntington as Assistant Engineering Officer and in the Korean War as Navigator of the Destroyer USS McGowan, guiding the ship on a round-the-world return from the Korean Conflict. After his military service he resided in South Bend, Indiana where Bob worked as an engineer for Bendix Aviation Corp. In 1959, Bob moved his family out of the snow to San Diego. In 1992, he retired from General Dynamics Convair Space Division after a career in engineering guidance controls for the Atlas missile and the rocket that placed the Mercury astronauts into orbit. Bob was a member of the American Rocketry Society, and was active in St. Columba Church in Serra Mesa, a member of the Mens’ Club and treasurer and past grand-knight in Knights of Columbus.
He was a gentle man who enjoyed sailing, fishing, bowling and watching football with his family. He was a very beloved husband, father, and grandfather who will remain in our hearts forever. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday Dec 15, 2018 at 11:30 at St. Columba Catholic Church at 3327 Glencolm Dr., San Diego 92123 with a reception afterward in the Music Room. Military honors will be held at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, on Tuesday, December 18th at 11:00 a.m
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