Shelby L. Watson

Shelby L. Watson, 81, of West Monroe, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, following a short illness.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, April 2, 2026 in the sanctuary of McClendon Baptist Church. Reverend Kevin Stewart will officiate assisted by Rev. James Gardner. Interment will follow at Kilpatrick's Serenity Gardens under the care and direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes, West Monroe. A visitation for family and friends will be held at 1:00 Pm until the time of service.

Shelby, the seventh son of Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Dale Watson, was born in Rosefield, Louisiana and grew up in Tallulah, where he graduated from Tallulah High School. He earned a BS degree in Business Administration from Northeast Louisiana State College, now ULM, and pursued a career in Insurance, Real Estate, and Financial Planning. He took great joy in assisting clients with their finances, and was very good at his job.

In 1966, he married the love of his life, Brenda Gresham. They were married for almost 60 years. Shelby was member of McClendon Baptist Church where he faithfully served as a Deacon for more than on 40 years. He previously taught a Sunday School class, served on several committees, and sang in both the Chansel and Senior Adult choirs until he became too ill to attend.

Shelby was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; Jeddie, Cliff, Leo, Theo, and Morris Watson; one sister-in-law, Leona; and two brothers - in law, Ernest Turner and Kenneth Jordan.

Shelby is survived by his wife, Brenda; a daughter, Traci W. Howe and husband, James of Little Rock, AR.; son, Todd Watson and wife Shannon, of West Monroe; one brother, Virgil Watson and wife Gail of Monroe LA; sisters, Shirley Turner, Linda Carter and husband Ronald, and Kathy Jordan, of West Monroe, Virginia Hornbeck and husband Ron of DeWitt , AR; sisters in - law, Barbara, of Monroe, Sandra, of Berwick, LA, Maydell, of Vicksburg, MS and Ola Bell Watson, of Tallulah, LA; granddaughters, Avery Watson and Jessie McManus; grandson, Noah McManus, all of West Monroe; aunt, Jane Watson of Monroe; and numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Pallbearers will be Noah McManus, Brian Carter, Jason Carter, Mike Groan, Stanley Palowsky, and Jason Ott. Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy Merriweather and the Deacons of McClendon Baptist Church.

We, his family are comforted in knowing Shelby is at home in heaven with his Lord and Savior. Shelby, you will be sorely missed.

Memorials may be made to the McClendon Baptist Church Building Fund, or the American Parkinson's Disease Association, P. O. Box 750, Merrifield, VA 22116-9652.