Paul Edward Watchorn

He was born September 12, 1952, at Platteville Municipal Hospital of Platteville, Wisconsin. He resided in Highland, Wisconsin. Son of Henry Elbert Watchorn and Ruby Mae (Peat) Watchorn. Graduated from Highland High School with a high school diploma and Jones College with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Paul was united in marriage to Patricia Ann (Brooks) Watchorn (deceased) on January 6, 1973, in Kingsland, Georgia. The loving couple resided in Jacksonville, Florida and had two children together.

Paul was an extremely patriotic man, having served his country in the United States Military. He had a long and distinguished career. He joined the United States Navy in September 1970; serving two tours on the U.S.S. John F Kennedy Aircraft Carrier during the Vietnam War. He was assigned to Attack Squadron VA-46 as a Parachute Rigger until August 1978. He served a brief stint in the Florida Army National Guard; assigned to the 146th Signal Battalion, Company D as a Radioman. In March 1994, he joined the Florida Air National Guard, 125th Fighter Wing, and was assigned to the 125th Maintenance Squadron as a Survival Equipment Craftsman. He retired at the rank of Master Sergeant on 31 January 2006.

He also had a proud and distinguished Federal Civil Service career of over 30 years with the Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE), retiring in 2011 as the Supervisor of both the Ordinance and Ejection Seat Shops.

He enjoyed football and was a passionate fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Florida State Seminoles. In his retired years you could see him taking a drive in his red 1966 Mustang that he loved. He also loved spending time with his family and friends.

Paul is survived by his two children; Shayna DeBusk of Cumming, GA and Shawn (Dacia) Watchorn of Jacksonville, FL. Granddaughters; Brianna DeBusk of Titusville, FL and Ella DeBusk of Cumming, GA. Grandson; Kanaan Wyatt of Jacksonville, FL. Sisters; Barbara (Charles) Weist of Fennimore, WI, Linda (Clint) Weier of Dodgeville, WI and Lori (Lloyd) Hach of Highland, WI. And several nephews and nieces.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his devoted and loving wife Patricia (Deceased February 8, 2021), his brother Frederick Watchorn and sister-in-law Charlotte Watchorn, sister Sharon Wepking and sister Marilyn Richter.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the love, support and prayers expressed and given during this incredibly difficult time.

Visitation will be held at Riverside Event Pavilion, 1373 Memorial Park Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32205, US, on July 31, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. The Funeral Service will follow in the same location at 10:00 am. A Committal Service will immediately follow the Funeral Service at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.