Edward Bates Watson, III

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our Father, Edward Bates Watson III. Dad died on August 19th at the age of 89. He was born in El Paso, Texas to Edward Bates Watson II and Ruth Mohr Watson on November 2nd, 1934. Dad was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Corry Watson. Mom and Dad met at Whittier College after Mom immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands. They were married in Whittier, California on August 17th, 1959 and the had five children. He was also preceded in death by two older brothers James Watson and Thomas Watson. He came from a proud Military family with his father and two brothers making the military their career. He grew up on Army Air Bases around the country including Japan after the war. Dad joined the Air Force and served in the Korean War. He was in Vietnam for several years building air bases. Dad worked for the Whittier Police Department from 1959 to 1965 and was a member of their pistol team. After returning from Vietnam he joined the Tulare County Sheriff's Department where he worked for 27 years from October 1968 until retiring in December 1994. His smile and positive outlook on life will be missed by all. Dad was a joy to be around for everyone that interacted with him. He liked to joke and tease people so everyone he came in contact with could not help but laugh and smile back. Dad was a devoted Catholic and his faith was a huge part of who he was. He enjoyed target shooting and volunteering at the Visalia range as a range master. Dad is survived by his two sisters, Sister Michael Thomas Watson O.P. of Adrian, Michigan and Carolyne Lee Brown of Lowell, Arkansas. He is survived by his son James (Melody) Watson of Columbia, Tennessee, his daughter Helen(Tom) Richardson of Tulare, Ca, daughter Jeanne(Bobby) Richardson of Tulare, Ca, his son Mike(Paula) Watson of Tulare, Ca, and his son Teddy(April) Watson of Dana Point, Ca. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Our family would like to invite anyone who has known Ed to attend a viewing and rosary on Friday August 30th at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. There will be a public viewing from 4-6pm followed by the rosary at 6-7pm. The Mass will be held on Saturday August 31st @ St. Aloysius, 125 E. Pleasant Avenue, Tulare at 9am followed by the burial at Tulare North Cemetery, 4572 North J. St., Tulare Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Edward Bates Watson, III

November 2, 1934 - August 19, 2024