Robert E. “Bob” Watson, the son of Harlow Woodrow Watson and Merle Marie (Finch) Watson, was born Jan. 21, 1947, in Santa Maria, Calif., and died on May 3, 2021, at Stormont-Vail Health, Topeka, Kan., from complications because of pneumonia at the age of 74 years, 3 months, 11 days.

Bob attended grade school in Lovewell, and graduated from Mankato High School in 1965. He then attended Kansas State University at Manhattan until he entered the U.S. Army. Bob served during the Vietnam War in artillery until his honorable discharge. He was a designated disabled veteran. He returned to K-State and completed his bachelor of science degree, graduating in December of 1972.

Bob then returned to Jewell County where he began farming. He was a farmer and stockman all of his life and also worked for Reinke Mfg. in Deshler, Neb., for eight and a half years.

On Feb. 17, 1973, he was united in marriage to Elaine K. Searcy. To this union three children were born, Curtis, Travis, and Hilary. The couple made their home in rural Formoso.

Bob was a member of the Mankato VFW and the Scandia American Legion.

He served in the honor detail for funerals for many years. Bob was willing to help his neighbors and friends and took great joy in providing home raised pork and garden produce to his friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bob is survived by his wife, Elaine K. Watson of rural Formoso; two sons, Curtis (Glena) Watson of Spokane, Wash., and Travis (Jennifer) Watson of Aurora, Colo .; one daughter, Hilary (Kerry) Campbell of St. Charles, Ill.;

five grandchildren, Lesley, Henry and Oscar Watson, and Morgan and Anna Campbell; one sister, Harleen (Don) Pino of Walsenberg, Colo .; other relatives, and friends.

Cremation was selected and a graveside service and inurnment was held at 4:30 p.m., Monday, May 10, at the Balch Cemetery, rural Formoso.

Military graveside rites were conducted by the Ft. Riley Honor Detail, Ft. Riley.

Memorials are suggested to the Robert E. Watson Memorial (to be determined later).

Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, Kan. was in charge of the arrangements.