Frank Sullivan Watson

1918 - 2016

Frank Sullivan Watson, 97, died May 2016, at home in Las Cruces, NM. Born in Hillsboro, Texas in October 1918 to Sam and Avis Watson. He had three older brothers, Leon, Troy and Terrell. He was married to the former Etoile Roach in 1943. She preceded him in death in 2010. They were married for 67 years.

Frank resided in Las Cruces since 2009. Prior to moving to Las Cruces, he lived in Albuquerque for 64 years. He moved to Albuquerque with his wife, after separating from the Army Air Corp in 1945.
Frank attended high school in Kaufman, Texas where he was a star running back on the football team and was a standout on the track team, running the hundred-yard dash in 9.8 seconds, a very fast time for the era. His football team once played a game in the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas Texas. He loved to tell people that he played in the Cotton Bowl.
His military career began in November 1940, when he enlisted in the Texas National Guard field artillery in Dallas, Texas. While in training, his commanding officer suggested he apply to pilot training. He was selected for pilot training in 1943. After completing initial flight training, he was sent to combat training with his assigned crew to Biggs Army Air Base, in El Paso Texas. After combat training, he and his crew were assigned to Squadron 789, 467th Bomb Group at Rackheath, near Norwich, England. In December 1944, he flew missions in support of our troops during the Battle of the Bulge. He flew a total of 30 combat missions ultimately as a lead crew. His last combat mission was in April 1945 near Munich. He said, "It was a very long mission and no enemy aircraft were sighted. By this time, Germany had lost much of its Luftwaffe." He said," It really was a great experience flying back to England over Paris and the white cliffs of Dover." He said, "he was very fortunate to have had an excellent crew".
At the war's end, his Bomb Group was recognized as having the best "on target" bombing record in the entire 8th AF. After "Victory in Europe Day", the 467th Bomb Group was selected to lead the 8th AF in a fly over of London. His decorations included: The Distinguished Flying Cross and 4 Air Medals.
After leaving the military in 1945, he took a job in the fledging Civil Aeronautics Administration later known as the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) as an Air Traffic Controller. He worked for the FAA in Albuquerque until his retirement in 1974. During that time, he was in on the beginning of operations for the initial radar control system at the Albuquerque Air Traffic Control Center.
Frank was a founding member of Sombra del Monte Church in Albuquerque where he held numerous positions including Deacon and Treasurer. During his tenure as Treasurer, the church was growing and undertook the challenging task of funding and building a new larger sanctuary. The new sanctuary was completed in 1967.
After his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and became an avid member of the Chaparral Chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association. They attended rallies and gatherings throughout the US. He was an Honorary Life Member and President of the Chaparral Chapter.
He will be interred with military honors in the Santa Fe National Cemetery. He is survived by his son, Steve, his wife Debby and grandson John.
A memorial service will be held on June 2, 2016 10am at Sombra del Monte Christian Church, 2525 Vermont Street NE Albuquerque, NM 87110. He was married to the former Etoile Roach in 1943. She preceded him in death in 2010. They were married for 67 years.

Arrangements are with Getz Funeral Home 1410 E. Bowman Ave. Las Cruces NM 88001. To send the family condolences log on to www.GetzCares.com