Gilbert Watson

Gilbert M. Watson, longtime former Waco resident, age 94 of York, died Monday, November 13, 2006 at York. He was born November 6, 1912 to Amzie and Bessie (Grass) Watson on a farm a mile and a half north and a mile and a half east of Waco, NE. He was a member of the Waco Christian Church and attended Sunday School. At the age of 14 he was immersed and baptized in the Blue River south of Waco by pastor Nielsen along with his sister Lela. At the age of 7 he and his family moved three miles west to his grandparent’s (Mr. & Mrs. Bill Grass) farm. He attended Rosemond country school one year and then attended Frog Pond District 65 for 7 years. He attended and graduated from Waco High School in 1931 at the age of 18. He was active in baseball, playing family baseball games and community games. The family enjoyed many gatherings, meals and playing ball with cousins.

During the depression years of 1937 and 38, Gilbert went to Iowa with his brother, Wayne, to shuck corn during the winter months. Gilbert worked at Hall’s Garage in Waco for several years for 10 cents an hour. He worked with his father on the farm, for in 1941 his three brothers enlisted in the Army. Gilbert was one of the first farmers in the area to grow soybeans and stayed with the crop for the remainder of his farming career. He and his dad bought the farm from his grandparents in 1950. He exchanged work with his neighbors in haying time, corn shelling, and thrashing. He also did mechanical work for others. Gilbert lived with his parents and took care of them until their deaths in 1954 and 1968. He married Marjorie (Cotner) Stuhr in 1976, retired from farming and moved into Waco at the age of 64.

Gilbert joined the Waco United Methodist Church by letter of transfer in the fall of 1976 and became an active member and contributor of the church as well as serving as lay leader and serving on the church board. He joined the Waco Volunteer Fire Department in January of 1948 and retired in 1978. He was secretary and treasurer of the department for 27 of his 30 years. Gilbert also served on the Waco Cemetery board from 1966 to 1988. He helped with the youth ball program for many years, taking care of the grounds, equipment, and record keeping. He was also on the planning committee for the village of Waco for many years. Gilbert enjoyed crossword puzzles, ball games and playing cards. He appreciated and enjoyed his family, church family and friends and the Waco Fire Department. He was a huge Cubs baseball fan, always hoping they would improve. When they didn’t, he eventually became an Atlanta Braves fan. Gilbert celebrated his 80th birthday with an open house for his relatives and friends on September 13, 1992. He reached his 94th birthday and 30th wedding anniversary on November 6, 2006.

Gilbert leaves to mourn his wife Marjorie of York, stepson Douglas and his wife Diane Cotner of Camino, CA and grandson Cameron Cotner also of Camino, one brother Atwood and his wife Arlene Watson of Lincoln. Also surviving are special friends Myron and Ardy Stuhr and family and LaVern and Linda Stuhr and family, several nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lela Watson, brothers, Wayne and Elwood Watson.

Funeral services were held Friday, November 17, 2006 at the Metz Chapel in York with the Reverend Jeff Wulf officiating. Interment was in the Waco Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Epworth Village or the family.