EDWARD T. WATLING

WATLING EDWARD T. WATLING Edward "Ed" Thurston Watling of Mclean, Virginia, born to Gertrude and Robert Watling in 1928, died peacefully on February 8, 2016. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, a veteran, and a public servant. He retired after 46 years of Federal service as a soldier and a civilian engineer. At the time of his retirement, he held the position of Director of the U.S. Army Center for Public Works. Prior to that position, he served as Chief, Environmental Restoration Division, Directorate of Military Programs, Headquarters, United States Army Corps of Engineers. His work involved facilities engineering, housing, environmental engineering, military construction, and power deployment (Prime Power). Mr. Watling graduated from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in the Class of 49B with a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering. He received an M.S. Degree in Industrial Engineering (Engineering Economics Option) from Stanford University in 1959. Upon graduation from VMI, he was commissioned in Armor; he transferred to the Corps of Engineers in 1953. His assignments included service in Vietnam. He was awarded the Legion Of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Joint Services Commendation Medal. He retired as a Colonel in August 1973, at which time he was Chief, Facilities Engineering Division, Directorate of Military Construction, Office of the Chief of Engineers. He was an Eagle Scout, Troup 1, Mendham, New Jersey. He was a Registered Professional Engineer (four states and the District of Columbia) and a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Virginia Society of Professional Engineers, and the Society of American Military Engineers. Mr. Watling''s wife of 52 years, born Dorothy "Deegee" Jane Reuter, died before him on May 9, 2013. He was also predeceased by his beloved siblings, Gertrude "Trudy" Mulcahy and Robert "Bob" Watling. He is survived by his older sister, Elizabeth "Betsy" Lorenz, as well as his sons, Peter, Ted, Chris, and Rick, their partners, Jean, Sandy, Vivian, and Sofia, and his grandchildren, Daniel, Kimberly, James, Luke, Catherine, Allison, Lilliana, Gianna, and Coleman Jet. Mr. Watling was constantly committed to the well-being of those around him. His career was a life-long commitment to serving our country. His family life was rich, providing and thriving by focusing on education, exemplary living, and devotion. His community life was superior as well: volunteering with the Boy Scouts, Math Counts, Us Too (for prostate cancer survivors), and the McLean Post 270 American Legion. He will also be remembered as his wife Deegee''s perfect opposite; his quiet, her spark; his frame, her art. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Boy Scouts of America or the McLean Post 270 American Legion. Friends and family are welcome for a visitation and viewing this Friday, February 12, 2016, at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 W. Broad Street, Falls Church, Virginia 22046, in the Chapel (Family & Friends 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.), with a social gathering to follow that evening. A funeral at Arlington National Cemetery will occur later in 2016.