Bill J. Watson

At 81 years old, Bill Watson went home to be with the Lord on October 10, 2014. Bill, a devoted Husband, Father, Dad, Pops, Grandpa, Papa, Gramps, and Great Grandpa, will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Billy Joe Watson was born in Indiahoma, Oklahoma on August 16, 1933. He served in the U.S. Air Force where he learned to be an electrician, which became his life's career before ultimately retiring from Focus on the Family in 2006. He moved from California in 1994 and lived in Colorado Springs for the past 20 years. He was an active member of Radiant Church and a devout Christian, who loved the Lord with all his heart. Bill read his Bible every day and was a man of prayer. He was very tender-hearted and wept easily. He had a true servant's heart, serving in many ministries as youth leader, board member, choir and men's ministries. As he reflected on his life, Bill describes himself as, "A very direct person; a solid Christian man with a rather gruff voice. Actually I'm pretty much a pushover for my kids and grandkids. Usually if you need an opinion, I'll give you mine. I have a sort of reputation at work of being a 'grump or grouch' which is okay; our secretary doesn't seem to think I'm grumpy! I usually dress pretty casually. I consider myself very loyal. Of course that could also be interpreted as stubborn or even hard-headed. I have to really be convinced to admit it when I'm wrong. And I like to think that's not very often." He was an avid reader, a woodcrafter and an outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, especially with his son and grandkids, golf, and was very athletic; loving all of the sports. From his childhood on, Bill loved to sing and perform in plays. And friends that knew him would say he loved to whistle – whistling while he worked. Bill is survived by his wife, Betty. They were married for 39 years. They have four daughters, Pamm, Valerie, Andrea, Gwendolyn; and one son, Vance; 20 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his late first wife; and daughter, Shelley.The Memorial Service will be Saturday, October 18, at 10:30 AM with a reception following at Radiant Church, 4020 Maizeland Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Saturday, October 18, 2014 10:30AM Radiant Church 4020 Maizeland Road Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-328-1793