Tom B Watson

Dr. Tom B. Watson was born May 12, 1921, in Locust Bayou, Arkansas, and died November 14, 2011 in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was the son of William Robert Watson and Sarah Mittie Steelman Watson, who preceded him in death, along with his first wife, Colleen; one daughter, Patty Oxford; one granddaughter, Mary Libertus; brothers, Homer, Hubert, Hamilton Ray and Robert, and sisters, Carrie, Mittie Ruth, and Annie Mae. He is survived by his wife, Thelma Watson, of the home; one brother, Bill S. Watson and Claudia of Hope; three daughters, Kathy Robinette and David of Green Forest; Tommi Featherston and Billy of Elm Springs; and Sharon Cashmore and Mark of Rogers. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Dr. Watson was a veteran of World War II, having served as a bombardier/navigator stationed at Metfield Air Base in England. He was a veterinarian for 62 years, and worked as a USDA Veterinary Inspector for more than 20 years. He was always a farmer at heart and owned and operated several farming operations over the years. He remained an avid gardener, even at the age of 90, and he had spent the past 35 years in Lavaca, Arkansas.

Tom Watson lived a life of honor, duty, and truth. He was raised by his parents in the Baptist faith, but he developed his own close personal commitment to Christ. His relationship with God directed him in the decisions he made in his daily life and in the way he treated every person he met. He will be missed by those of us who looked to him for wisdom and guidance and who have a deep respect for the way he lived his life. Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

A memorial service for Tom will be held at Callison Lough Funeral Home in Bentonville on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 2pm. Online condolences can be made at www.callisonlough.com.