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Vaden Kenneth Watson

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University of Missouri

Vaden Watson Obituary

Vaden Kenneth Watson Colonel (ret.) Vaden Kenneth Watson, 70, died Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at his home in Silver Springs, Fla. Ken was born Sept. 27, 1938, in Winston-Salem, N.C. Early in his life, his family moved to Lamont, Fla., where he attended Jefferson County schools, graduating in 1956. Ken graduated from the Citadel in 1960 and was commissioned into the U.S. Army. During his military career, he completed the Armed Forces Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., the National War College at Washington, D.C., and earned an MA from the University of Missouri. His first and most memorable tour of duty was with the 7th Cavalry in Germany. Soon to follow were two tours in Viet Nam, the first with the 1st Cavalry Division, tours in Europe and U.S. Army posts. Among Ken's military medals and awards, the one he most highly valued was the Combat Infantryman's Badge. Ken retired in 1991 and began a second career, working for the State of Florida, helping veterans find jobs, from which he retired in 2002. Beneath his sometimes gruff exterior, lay a loyal, kind and generous heart. With Ken, "Once a friend, always a friend." He considered some of his closest friends, the "boys" with whom he grew up and attended school in Lamont, Monticello, Fla., and at college. Ken loved his family, friends, pets, watching the sunset on the lake and the Florida Gators. He will be greatly missed by those who survive him. These include his wife of 48 years, Brenda Wigelsworth Watson of Silver Springs; his children, Christopher of Silver Springs, Sarah (and husband Bob) Williams of The Woodlands, Texas, Mandy (and husband Mike) Roberts of Ocala; his brother, Don Watson of Jacksonville; and his grandchildren, Brenda Weber of Silver Springs, Vadey and Jason Williams of The Woodlands and Mary Roberts of Ocala. For those who wish, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to Hospice, POB 4860, Ocala, FL 34478; Interfaith Emergency Services, POB 992, Ocala, FL 34478; or The Children's Advocacy Center, 2131 SW 22nd PL, Ocala, FL 34471. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. EDT Monday, March 16, at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, with the Rev. Warren Thompson officiating. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9 to 11 a.m. EDT.

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Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Mar. 13, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Vaden Watson

18 Entries

Domenic & Victoria Ferrelli

March 18, 2009

He will always be the Colonel to us; a warm and caring man with a terrific sense of humor. Our deepest sympathies to his family.

Dwain Henderson, MSgt (Ret) USAF

March 18, 2009

Ken was a great story teller. I enjoyed listening to his Vietnam War stories and what he used to do when he worked for General Powell.
I will miss him for he was a great man.

Debbie Spell

March 16, 2009

Brenda,
I am so sorry to hear the news of Ken passing. I will continue to pray for God to comfort you in this time of sadness and know that you will always carry Ken with you in your heart. Much love -

Patricia Sokol

March 16, 2009

Dear Brenda and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, both from our immediate family and your extended family at Kimberly's Cottage. We ask God's Blessings on you and yours. I know Ken would be happy to see little Chianti and how absolutely adorable she is and how she has taken over the Sokol household with her unconditional love. Please know that we are here to help in any way.
All of our love and sympathy,
The David & Patricia Sokol family and the Kimberly's Cottage family.

Mary Walker (former co-worker)

March 15, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Joe Cooksey

March 14, 2009

From roots near "Mayberry, NC" to the small Florida town of Lamont where the community raised the children a leader evolved with love of God, family, community and country seeing things as either right or wrong and willing to fight for the right. Growing up in Lamont with a one room school where we attended the first four grades taught by Brenda's aunt, Mrs. Amanda Reams, instilled a bond akin to blood brothers that remains unbroken by distance or death. VK, a "Lamont Rebel," will remain in our memories and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

Becky Clayton

March 14, 2009

Dear Brenda and family, I am so sorry at your loss. Kenneth was a good man and will be missed. Sincerely, Becky Watson Clayton and Mike Clayton
Monticello, Fla.

Donna & Skip LaFrance

March 13, 2009

We are so very sorry for your loss. May God's grace, peace, and love give you comfort in this time. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.

BOBBY & OLGA CROSS

March 13, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Bob, Sarah, Vaden & Jason Williams

March 13, 2009

Those of us who knew Ken Watson knew a man that held his values close to his heart and his family and friends closer. We knew a patriot, soldier, warrior and truly decent man. He had a tough and demanding side as well, but those that were privileged to see the real man will never forget him.

It has been said that people can be measured by the company that they keep. If that is the case, we are proud to be counted among the company Ken kept.

Ken loved sports, playing cards and darts, complaining about the dogs and family get-togethers. He loved to read and to spend time with Lake sunsets. He loved to share all of these, and our memories are filled with these great times. Ken wouldn't admit it but he was a caretaker and loved to take care of people. He never met a problem that he couldn't solve for a loved one.

Ken will be missed, but he will live on through those that knew him and loved him.

Vivian Morton

March 13, 2009

Mr. Watson always came to eat breakfast or lunch at the busy bee's. We have the utmost respect for him. You will never find a friend like him. He is very loyal and a good person to talk with. Very down to earth. His wife is also very special. They made a fantastik couple. Our thoughts are going to be with her always. They are lovely people.

Andy Gilliard

March 13, 2009

From a small town fun loving boy to a national hero as a protector of our freedom, V.K. will always be remembered. His devotion to duty was as steadfast as his desire to serve others while enjoying life to its fullest. Lamont has lost a faithful son and may God rest his soul and His Bessings to his family.

Barry Elliott

March 13, 2009

Mrs. Watson and family. How wonderful it must have been to live with such a wonderful man. When Ken asked me to move from Washington, DC to Ocala and work for him when I retired from the Coast Guard, I would of never dreamed it would of been so rewarding. I enjoyed having breakfast with him at the Busy Bee. How proud he was telling me about giving driving lessons to his granddaughter and how much he liked going to Las Vegas with his son. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.

Claude Cruce

March 13, 2009

Brenda

Remember our prayers and thoughts are with you, Ken has gone to a better place with no more pain or sorrow, he'll be watching over you from above Dianne and Claude

Kathleen Woodring

March 13, 2009

I have had the honor of working with Ken for many years. Ken has made an impact on thousands of lives here in Marion County. The "Colonel" took me under his wing, taught me everything he knew, continually mentored me and was an ardent protector. What a Man and what a blessing it has been to be his friend!

MIKE&MANDY ROBERTS

March 13, 2009

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Anita Williams

March 13, 2009

I am deeply sadden by the passing of this hero. Ken & I worked together for many years. I can remember my first conversation with him wherein he shared a lot of his experience while in the military. He was truly blessed. I also learned that he grew up in Lamont where my granny is from and relatives still reside. To his family, I pray that God will provide comfort and strength for you in your hour of bereavement. ken was a great person and I know he will be missed.

Yolanda Torres (Former co-worker)

March 13, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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