Robert "Bob" Watson

Robert “Bob” Watson was born on February 19, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Harold Watson and Melba Mae Robinson Watson. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in Shreveport, Louisiana, at 81 years old. 

A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 3:30 PM Monday, February 20, 2023, graveside at Rose-Neath Cemetery in Bossier City, Louisiana. Justin Haigler will officiate. Visitation will be from 1-3 PM Monday, February 20, 2023, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Bossier City, Louisiana. 

Bob Watson grew up in Shreveport.  His childhood was full of fishing and playing outdoors with his brother Joe and pulling his little sister Sandy in a red wagon.  He warmly remembered swimming in the  local pool, playing outdoors, and enjoying his Aunt Vernice’s cooking: biscuits, gravy, collard greens, cornbread and his Grandmother’s famous peanut butter cookies. These flavors inspired Bob’s lifelong love of cooking and he specialized in Southern dishes like fried catfish, chicken and barbeque.  He developed his love for flowers during memorable summers gardening roses with his grandmother Bobbie Watson.

Bob attended Byrd High School. A sports fan, he loved college football and followed it avidly throughout his life. After Byrd High School, he worked as a professional meat cutter in several major grocery stores.  He saw the industry change over time, from individual meat cutters to automated systems that reduced the physical demands on employees. He was proud to be able to do his work well.

Bob served in the United States Navy in 1959. He joined the Navy and was honorably discharged at the rank of E3. His two sons followed in his footsteps proudly to serve in the U.S. armed forces; Robert was in the Navy and Bryan in the Marine Corps.  His nephew Cody Corbell was a Marine as well.

As Bob came of age in the 1950’s, he developed passions that brought joy and friendship throughout his life. He loved music, particularly old school blues, and was a big fan of Civil War history and of high school and college football. A devoted horse enthusiast, he enjoyed going to the Louisiana Downs Racetrack. And he loved the beauty of the outdoors, especially flowers, which he loved since childhood. Over the years, Bob’s life brought him from Louisiana to California, Alaska, Las Vegas, and East Texas; wherever he went, he brought his love for Southern culture. He did his best never to miss a crawfish festival, blues concert, or flower show within driving distance, and he made friends and connections wherever he went. He is remembered well for his tender care for elderly people in his life who were in need of support. 

Bob married Connie Greco in 1962.  They had two children, Betsy Lynn and Robert Earl Watson.  He later married Deborah Ann Willis and had two children, Bryan Kelly Watson and Carmen Melissa King (Watson). He dearly loved his four granddaughters, Danika, Kendra, Samantha, and Sophie. They looked forward to his cards on birthdays, holidays, or any time of the year; Grandpa Bob always clipped a special article or comic from the newspaper just for them. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Harold Watson and Melba Mae Robinson Watson, his brother Joe, and by his son Robert Earl Watson.