Forrest Watson

1935 - 2022

Forrest Watson
June 13, 1935 - February 22, 2022
Keller , Texas - Forrest Edward Watson, Ed.D., 86, good and faithful servant of God; beloved Daddy, Dandy, brother, uncle, and friend; took the hand of Jesus and went home February 22, 2022.
Forrest Watson was born in Emhouse, TX, to Georgia Vesta (Powell) and Arthur Decater Watson, the oldest of four children in a farming family.
After graduating from Frost High School, Forrest attended North Texas State University (now UNT), working his way through school delivering Dr Pepper to earn his Bachelor of Science. He returned four years later, as a school principal with a new baby, to earn his Master of Education. In 1972, he earned his Doctorate of Education, again from NTSU, completing this degree in 12 months while also serving as Superintendent of Schools in Ennis.
Dr. Watson was a talented and innovative educator, with a lifelong dedication to learning. His life was defined by his faith in God, his love for his family, and his unquenchable thirst for knowledge and teaching.
Considered a father of modern school finance, as well as alternative education in Texas, he also led the way in bringing technology into the classroom. He always had an eye to the future with strategic planning.
In addition to his devotion to the schoolchildren of Texas, Dr. Watson traveled the world extensively, establishing many faith-based schools in other countries.
Forrest Watson began his legendary career in education with Ferris Independent School District (ISD) as a classroom teacher. He was next Head Classroom Teacher in Kopperl ISD, then elementary school principal and later high school principal in Italy ISD. In 1962, two weeks before his 26th birthday, Italy ISD Board of Trustees offered him the position of Superintendent of Schools. He became the youngest superintendent in Texas history.
In the ensuing years, he was Superintendent of Schools in Hamilton ISD, Ennis ISD, Pasadena ISD, and Alamo Heights ISD.
In 1978, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD Board of Trustees sought him out. He was to lead H-E-B-ISD for the next 13 years, until his retirement in 1991. Dr. Watson considered his tenure with H-E-B-ISD his "golden years," an era that saw the implementation of great advances and innovations, most notably the design and construction of the groundbreaking multipurpose Pennington Field.
After his retirement, Dr. Watson actively continued in private sector education and philanthropy.
In 1993, Keller ISD asked Dr. Watson to step in as interim superintendent while it searched for a permanent replacement. Three years later, he suggested the KISD Board of Trustees "get serious" about finding a replacement, as he was ready to truly retire.
His second retirement was no less active. He traveled extensively, pursuing opportunities to establish educational outlets across the state and around the world.
Forrest was active in his community and church throughout his life. He enjoyed serving in various leadership positions, teaching, mentoring, and guiding. He most recently drew great satisfaction from writing curriculum for and leading Adult Bible Study at Anderson Mill Baptist Church in Cedar Park.
We his family ask you to remember his warmth, his faith, his integrity, and his passion for education. We hope you remember his kindness, his humor, and his love. Also, Go Mean Green and How 'bout them Cowboys.
Forrest was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Brucene; his wife Betty; and his daughters' mother, Rita.
He is survived by daughter Robin Lankford (Larry); daughter Jill Cantrell (Steve); granddaughter Evan Registe (Martin); grandson Ryan Carrington (Stephanie); granddaughter Taylor Nicole; and grandson Parker Cantrell; six great-grandchildren; bonus granddaughters Laura Payton (Anthony) and Christine Lankford (Will); sister Sylvia Sallee (Greg) and brother David Watson; Betty's daughters Traci Renfrow (Buster), Doni Marquart, and Valeri Marquart; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A Celebration of the Life and Times of Dr. Watson is planned for Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 10 AM in Holly Chapel at The Bowden Event Center in Keller.
Memorials may be directed to H-E-B-ISD Education Foundation or Keller ISD Education Foundation or student of your choice.