John Arthur Watson

John grew up in East Greenwich, Rhode Island with his mother, the former Grace Connoley and his brother, Arthur (Art). His father, Arthur Sidney Watson was a Merchant Mariner who died in 1943 off the coast of Greenland.

John joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953 as an Aircraft Control and Warning Operator. He retired from the Air Force in 1975 after more than 21 years of service at the grade of Senior Master Sergeant. While in the Air Force, John worked as an Electronic Countermeasures Superintendent at assignments mostly in Alaska supporting North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Command.

John had been an avid walker and regularly participated in water aerobics. He enjoyed big band music of the 50’s and vintage war films.

John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Barbara of Lady Lake FL and who he married nearly 50 years ago, his daughters, Karen (David) Porter of Irvine CA, Susan (Chris) Abrahams of Many LA, Stepson David (Dorothy) Higginbotham of Lady Lake FL, stepdaughter Juliann (Thomas) Gonsor of Layton UT, 8 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren.

The family would like to thank nurses Ashley, Kathy and Gilbert of Cornerstone Hospice and the staff of Watercrest Spanish Springs for the care and compassion they showed for John in his final days.

Interment will be at Bushnell National Cemetery. No memorial service is planned at John’s request.