Mesa, Arizona
Watson, Lyle
92, passed away on May 30, 2011 at his home in Mesa, AZ just 20 days after the death of his wife Joan. They had been married for 60+ years. He was born July 2, 1918 in Thatcher, AZ. He was a graduate of Gila Jr. College (now Eastern Arizona Jr. College). He then served for 4 years in World War II, followed by an LDS mission in the New England States Mission. He received a Bachelors Degree at Ricks College and his Masters Degree from Brigham Young University in 1963. He was a Professor at Ricks College from 1957 until his retirement in 1979. While there he was head of the Speech and Drama Dept, and received the Distinguished Teacher Award in 1977. While at Ricks College he directed many theatrical productions at the college as well as throughout the Intermountain area and Northwest. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a Bishop and on the High Council. Lyle was a devoted husband to his wife Joan Covington, father to his son Robert C (Debbie) Watson and daughter Cynthia (Scott) Riggs. He loved his eight grandchildren, Jason, Tyler and Ashley Watson, Angela (David) Clouse, Candice (Jeff) Arnett, Ryan Kalee and Kelcie Riggs and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, seven brothers and three sisters. Visitation will be Friday, June 3, 2011 from 6-8 PM at Bunker's Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa and one hour before services. Funeral services are Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 10 AM at the LDS Fairway Groves Ward, 5350 E. Mckellips Rd. in Mesa. The family suggests donations to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Perpetual Education Fund.
Cyndy this popped up in my emails today!! And just seeing your sweet fathers face made my heart swell and brought a smile to my face! There are very few who come into this world who can truly make everyone they meet feel that they are special and loved!! Your dad was one who did that for me! He was a very special man! I miss seeing him!!
Debbie Wheeler
May 27, 2022
I was a student of Lyle Watson and had the great pleasure of being his student director, working on several productions with him as well as being a member of his ward while a student at Ricks College. Bishop Watson was one of those key people who stand at the cross roads of a young person's life to give direction when guidance is needed. I was one of those students and will be eternally grateful that he stood where he did when I needed the counsel that he rendered. Blessings to his family....
Michael Clapier
June 07, 2011 | Salt Lake, UT
Bob, Cindy and Families,
You were indeed very blessed to have such noble and great parents.
We did not know of your mothers passing until we read to obituariy of you father in the paper.
We know it is hard to lose a parent and now you have lost them both in such a short span.
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Much love the Burtons
June 04, 2011
Cyndy and Scott, we love all of you. Our tender thoughts and prayers are coming your way. We know that this must be a hard time for Ryan too. It was not that long ago when we were with all of you and both of your parents at Ryan's Open House. Our knowledge and faith will sustain you during this difficult time. We know how much they were loved by all of you. We are thinking about you.
Tammy and Kerry Mortensen
June 03, 2011 | Mesa, AZ
Uncle Lyle was the sweetest, kindest and most talented man you could ever meet. He was born on my mother Lucille's birthday when she was 13 and they always had a special relationship. He and Joan will be missed so much by so many.
Linda Stewert
June 02, 2011 | Mesa, AZ
He was one of the most kindest men I know. Always a smile and a big hug. He made you know he cared about you and what was going on in your life, and has touched the lives of anyone privileged enough to have known him. Scott and Cyndy, our thoughts and prayers are with you. As well as Angela, Candice, Ryan, Kaylee and Kelcie.
Love, Rick and Debbie Wheeler
Debbie Wheeler
June 02, 2011 | Mesa, AZ
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
From the Staff of Bunker Family Funeral Homes
June 02, 2011 | Mesa, AZ
