Ronald Wayne Watson

Ronald Wayne Watson was born on March 24, 1945, in Flint, Michigan, to Alva Watson and Jewel Fowler Watson. From the very beginning, Ron was known for his sharp mind, strong work ethic, and the humor that would later become one of his most cherished traits.

Ron peacefully departed this life on January 6, 2026, in Sikeston, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 80 years old.

On October 24, 1995, Ron was united in marriage to Johnnie Stepp Schoolcraft. Together they shared 30 years of marriage filled with companionship, laughter, and devotion. Ron was a dedicated and proud husband, father, and grandfather who deeply loved those closest to him.

During his high school years at Morehouse, Ron was an active and accomplished student. He played on the basketball team and served as senior class president, roles that reflected his leadership and ability to connect with others.

Ron spent 30 years working as a lab technician, where his reliability and dedication were evident to all who worked alongside him. Never one to shy away from hard work, he later began a second career installing cable, proving his strong work ethic and determination throughout his life.

Those who knew Ron will remember his quick wit and unforgettable sense of humor. He had a way of making people laugh and feel at ease. He found joy in riding motorcycles, fishing, listening to music, playing chess, and diving into history-he was a true history buff who loved learning and sharing stories from the past.

Ron was a faithful member of Jesus Name Tabernacle Church, where he found spiritual strength and community.

Ron loved the Lord as well as scripture with this particular passage being dear to his heart and exemplified daily:

Matthew 22:36-39

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Johnnie Watson of Sikeston, Missouri; his children: Tina Boswell (Red) of St. Louis, Missouri; Jason Watson (Tam) of Carmel, Indiana; Michael Watson of St. Louis, Missouri; Starla Moore (Lannie) of Sikeston, Missouri; Shonae Rogers (Noah) of Caruthersville, Missouri; and Shain Schoolcraft (Lori) of Caruthersville, Missouri.

He is also survived by his brother, Mike Watson (Emily) of Hot Springs, Arkansas; his sister-in-law, Rita Watson of Wappapello, Missouri; and his 13 grandchildren: Brittany Bishop, Brooks Bishop, Ashley Watson, Chris Watson, Kelsey Watson, Alexis Spidle, Lansten Livingston, Caleb Bradley, Brayden Livingston, Kaden Schoolcraft, Skye Watson, Josslyn Rogers, and Ella Schoolcraft. Ron also leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many friends who were blessed to know him.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Jewel Watson; his brothers, Bobby and James Watson; and his grandchild, Caelan Watson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Jesus Name Tabernacle in Caruthersville, Missouri, with Pastor Richard Lee officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m.

H.S. Smith Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.