Iva Gene Watson’s adventure began on August 14, 1927, in Big Spring, Howard, Texas in the midst of the Great Depression. During this tumultuous time in history, their family moved to follow work. She went to High School in New Orleans for a time while her father and grandfather worked to build Robert’s landing craft that was used during D Day. Ever the farming and mechanical family they moved to East Texas where Gene met and married Thomas Murphy Watson married when he returned from his Naval tour of the South Pacific. They continued with farming, mechanics, and entered into the petroleum field in Weslaco, Texas. Eventually putting down roots in New Braunfels, Texas.
Raising 3 boys and later a young daughter brought surprises. Gene was a Scout leader, little league mom, scale model rocket safety technician, veteran airshow attendee, flying fox wrangler, falconry badge survivor, and had a keen sense of rhythm to keep up with the musicians in her home. This was a mom that could fix anything, make anything, sew, upholstery, and be able to feed the masses at any moment. She had swimsuits at her house that fit nearly any possible guest as well as being ready to drop dreary work to go have fun! Her passion for all things Mickey Mouse surrounded her with the spirit of imagination and joy.
A born caregiver, Gene nurtured so many through trauma, injury, and illness; relatives, family, family by choice, or a complete stranger. She was a gracious mender of hearts and souls. Her open door and open heart made her “mom” to hundreds of her children’s friends and her relatives. Her trademark pop up VW campers was ground central for any band trip, athletic event, road trip, swim meet, baseball tournament, volleyball tournament, hospital stay, graduation, and so much more.
Gene was a recognized Good Will Ambassador to Texas by Governor Briscoe, a highly decorated US Swimming Official, A Cub Scout Leader, Honored Girl Scout Leader, President of Multiple Booster Clubs, Hospital Volunteer, Thrift Shop Volunteer, the list is indeed endless. She and her husband were dedicated officers and volunteers for the New Braunfels Aquatic Club for over 25 years. New Braunfels Downtown Rotary recognized Thomas and Gene for their volunteer work and they were recognized by the New Braunfels Herald as Unsung Heroes.
Gene was one of the longest-tenured Visitor Center Counselors for the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, was awarded the Chair of the Board Award from the Chamber of Commerce for her work in Youth Development. Many of you bought your Wurstfest drink tickets from her for nearly 50 years, and she loved every minute of you making sure to stop by “her booth” and visit.
One of our friends summed it up, “For most of our friends and me, your Mom was very iconic in our lives and probably most of the town, too. I can’t think of our younger years without thinking of your mom. She will be missed very much. However, I know your mom’s spirit will always be here in NB with us.”
Iva Gene Watson was born to Lloyd Earl Smithey and Elizabeth Richardson Smithey August 13, 1927 and left us July 13, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother James Earl Smithey, her husband, Thomas Murphy Watson, and her son Buddy Leon Watson. She is survived by her sister Wanda Smithey Silkwood and family, son Lloyd Thomas Watson, wife Denise Hardemann Watson, son Donald Gene Watson, wife Debie Griffiths Watson, Daughter in law Diane Watson, and daughter Judy Watson Young, and husband Leslie “Lester” Young.
She was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren, Randal & Leslie Watson, Jonathan Watson, Meredith Watson, Kimberley Watson, Eric & Jillian Watson, Justin Watson, Jennifer Watson Russell and husband David, Corrie Lynn Watson Keys and husband Josh, Jean Nicole Watson, Cailey Morgan Young, Angela Sokol, Jeff Griffiths, and Jen Roos and husband Joe.
She welcomed 8 Great Grand-Children and 3 step-great grandchildren, Aiden Watson, Kayla Key, Autumn Key, Logan Thomas Watson, Anna Catherine Watson, Grace Gene Watson, and John Robert Key, Brannon Leon Russell, Ryan Roos, Sean Roos, and Evan Roos.
There are too many of her “adopted” family to mention. Your photos are all over her home, and she kept every card, announcement, newspaper clipping… that she ever received - that is how much you meant to her.
We would like to thank her amazing caregivers – words cannot express our gratitude for your kind, loving, and personal attentiveness.
Visitation will be held at Zoeller Funeral Home, July 20th from 5 to 7 pm and services will be July 21st at 9 am at Zoeller Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Hope Hospice of New Braunfels or the New Braunfels Aquatic Club.
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