L. J. (Jack) Watson passed away Monday, Nov. 9, 2009 at the Homestead Nursing Home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, at Cedarlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Dannel Funeral Home. Ray Boles of Duncanville, Jack's brother-in-law, will conduct the service. Military honors will be accorded at the graveside. Family visitation will be from 7 -8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 at Dannel Funeral home. 
Jack was born May 25, 1922 in Sherman to Manuel and Ollie Mae Dodson Watson. He attended local area schools before he volunteered for the Army in January 1941. He served with the E Company, 142nd Infantry, 36th Division in North Africa, Italy and southern France during World War II before being severely wounded in France in 1944. He received the Purple Heart, the European Campaign Medal with 3 bronze stars and 1 Bronze Arrowhead American Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Texas Service Metal. He was an expert marksman and received the Combat Infantry Badge. 
He married Ruth Boles on Sept. 3, 1948. They had one son, Randall Khent and one daughter, Barbara Nan. He was a farmer and a carpenter, building the home that he and Ruth shared. Ruth preceded him in death on March 3, 2007. 
Jack was a member of the area chapter of the Purple Heart, American Legion, AmVets, DAV and NARFE organizations. He was a deacon at East Sherman Baptist Church. 
Jack is survived by his son Randy Watson and wife Nancy of Ida; daughter, Barbara and husband Robby McBride of Sherman; six grandsons, Manual Watson and wife LeAnn of Sherman, Leif, Levi and Cody Watson of Ida, Ryan and Lance McBride of Sherman, and one great-grandchild Kenna Watson of Sherman. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers and six sisters. 
Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews. 
You may sign the online guestbook at www.dannelfuneralhome.com. - - - - -  The Herald Democrat,  11/11/2009