Robert Watson

Robert Prather Watson, 89 year longtime Vinita resident died Saturday April 16, 2011 at the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Claremore. He was born October 14, 1921 in Grove, OK the son of Charles and Martha Prather Watson. He was raised and educated at Okmulgee and Wetumka and graduated Morris high school in 1940 then attended Okmulgee Tech for one year. Robert entered U.S. Army in 1940 and inducted with the 45 th. Infantry division and on September 16, 1940 he went overseas with the 45th. In June 1943 during WWII, he served in Sicily, Italy, Southern France and Germany before he was released form active duty at Camp Chaffee Arkansas. He rejoined in Sept. 1950 and was sent to Ft. Poke LA in October of 1951 and was appointed 1st. Sgt of HQ. On May 10, 1952 he was given a commission and assigned to platoon Leader of the 1st Platoon. In June 1952 he went on a patrol mission and received several hits by rifle fire and shrapnel in the right side of his face, left arm and hip and was transferred back to the states to the Brook Army Hospital in San Antonio where he remained until Sept of 1952 then was discharged from active duty in June 1953. His campaign include: Sicily, Naples,- Figgie, Anzio, Rome - Arno, Southern France, Rhineland Ardennes - Alsace, Centre Europe, Korea. He was highly decorated receiving the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge 2d, American Defense medal, Victory Medal WWII, the European Theatre Ribbon, also the Army of Occupation Japan Ribbon, the Korean conflict Ribbon, the United Nation Service ribbon and the Purple Heart Medal. In 1963 Robert moved to Vinita and established Watson's Electric and operated it till 1982. He was Baptized in 1963 and was a member of the Church of Christ He owned the Christian Book Store from 1976 to 1982. Robert enjoyed watching sports, the news. He was a pilot and loved flying his airplane, spending time with and talking to people. He and Pat Morgan were united in marriage at Tahlequah, OK on May 6, 1977. Survivors include his wife Pat of the home, four children: Lonnie Anderson of Silisbee, TX, Troy Anderson and wife Samantha of White Oak, OK, Kevin Anderson and his wife Alicia of Vinita, Dee Walker and husband Danny of Lamar, MO, grand children Kato & Marissa, Cassie Anderson, Andrea Anderson Robert Anderson Clayton Anderson, Clinton Lee Anderson Keshia May, Kourtney Walker and Emily Garrett, one great grand son Kaiden Thomson one nephew, Frank Watson and his wife Liz of Upland CA. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Charlie Watson. Visitation will be Monday April 18, from 5:00 until 7:00 at Luginbuel Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday April 19, 2011 at the Church of Christ with David Deffenbaugh officiating with interment to follow in Fairview Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com.

Visitation Details

Monday, April 18th, 2011 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Luginbuel Funeral Home Vinita

Service Details

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 2:00pm, Church of Christ-Vinita