Barbara Lawdermilk Watson

Barbara Lawdermilk Watson went home to be with the Lord early Saturday morning January 21, 2023 and was surely greeted with shouts of joy and welcome by all who preceded her including her dad and mom Truman and Laveda Lawdermilk, husband Tom Watson, son Tommy Watson, sister Sue Lawdermilk and many other friends and family. She is survived by her brother Paul Lawdermilk and his wife Sherri, their daughters Leah Lawdermilk, Abby Lawdermilk, Nicole Washington, Ashley Bailey and son Collin Lawdermilk, her brother-in-law Jerry Eckart, oldest son Charles Watson and his wife Rhonda, their daughter Jessica Batchelor and husband Brett, son Joshua Watson and youngest daughter Lauren Jennings and her husband Garrett.

The First United Methodist Church of Mertzon is providing lunch for family and friends on Saturday January 28th at 12:30pm in the Family Life Center behind the church followed by a memorial service at 2pm in the main sanctuary. Honorary Pallbearers are Loye Tankersley, Collin Lawdermilk, Ed Moore, Steven Moore, Rick Hodnett, Steve Shaw, Chuck White and Scott White.

Barbara, affectionally known as “Bob” to many family and friends, was born September 19, 1935 in San Angelo and raised in Mertzon where she completed high school and made many lifelong friends including Vennie Lou Tankersley and Shirley McCaden. She went to college at San Angelo College, then moved to Dallas and worked at the Trade Mart. She met and married Tom while living in Dallas and they moved back to Mertzon to raise their sons, Chuck and Tommy.

Her boys were the light of Bob’s life. Even though they didn’t always listen, they witnessed a woman of integrity and compassion. Chuck and Tommy could not have asked for a better Mother, a better mom, or a better friend.

Bob and Tom enjoyed traveling to numerous historical landmarks all over the country like Niagara Falls and Mount Rushmore. They also took many trips to Las Vegas and Louisiana for gambling and excitement. Together, they shared their love of travel with their sons and grandchildren, taking them on several memorable trips to Yellowstone, Disney Land, and the Grand Canyon. A particularly special trip to Yellowstone with Jessica, Joshua and Lauren lasted several weeks, covered 17 states and many historical and beautiful destinations. Her grandchildren still carry those amazing memories today. After Tom passed in 2004, she continued her travels with Paul and Sherri on wild trips to Las Vegas and Shreveport. She also went on many trips and cruises with close friends and cousins Mary Jo Tangeman and Lacy James. Bob spoke often of all her travels with fond memories.

When she wasn’t traveling, Bob spent a great deal of time with her family at the ranch with sister Sue and brother Paul. One of Bob’s favorite things to do at the ranch was to watch the deer come into her “personal” feeder. No Hunting Allowed!

She was known for her dessert making, especially during holidays and family gatherings. No one ever had to be shy about their sweet tooth around Bob. She was always ready to have dessert, even before dinner was served! Her handwritten recipes are cherished by her family and are traditions that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

As we remember Barbara with a few examples of a life well lived, and a woman well loved, we also rejoice in the Promise that she is not just in our past, but in our future.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com for the Watson family.