William 'Bill' J. Watson

CHUBBUCK " William J. “Bill” Watson, 67, our husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away at home surrounded by his family, Friday, September 19, 2008.

Bill was born January 21, 1941 in Salt Lake City, UT to George Benjamin and Afton James Watson. He grew up in Salt Lake City where he graduated from Granite High School where he played football under Coach LaVell Edwards. He later attended the University of Utah where he studied Art. He lived in Flagstaff, AZ for 7 years where he gained his love for the Southwest. He then moved to Pocatello in 1979 where he lived for the rest of his life until he lost his courageous battle with cancer.

Bill married Denise Stevens November 11, 1966 in Alpine, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized on September 18, 1981 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held various callings. For sixteen years he worked for the Bannock County Sheriff's Department as a Court Marshall " a job he loved.

Most of all Dad loved spending time with family and friends - especially his grandchildren. He was a real people person. Dad enjoyed football and fishing; he was an avid University of Utah “Ute” fan. He was also a talented artist and history lover.

Bill is survived by; his wife, Denise Stevens Watson, Chubbuck; Daughter, Jamie (Dave) Robinson, Omaha, NE; Son, Michael (Lisa) Watson, Pocatello; grandchildren, Tyler, Caitlyn, Kaylee, Ryan & Kyle Robinson, Omaha; and Dallin, Madison & Marissa Watson, Pocatello.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Benjamin and Afton James Watson; and a brother, Wallace “Wally” Watson.

Funeral services for Bill will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday September 23, 2008 at the Independence LDS Chapel on 4773 Independence, Chubbuck. A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday September 22, 2008 at Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Rd. and one hour prior to the services at the church on Tuesday. Interment will follow services on Tuesday in the Mountainview Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Wilks Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilksfuneralhome.com

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation and thanks to the loving caregivers at Creekside Hospice and the doctors and nurses of the Portneuf Cancer Center.