Cleon H. Watson

Cleon H. Watson, a Moses Lake resident since 1953, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at Lake Ridge Solana Alzheimer's Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, on Monday, August 25, 2014 at Kayser's Chapel of Memories, with Pastor Jo Ann Schaadt officiating. Interment will follow at Pioneer Memorial Gardens. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory.

Cleon was born on January 20, 1916 in Jamestown, North Dakota, the first of two sons born to Clarence and Hennie Watson. His family moved to Modesto, California when he was four years old. Cleon graduated from Modesto High School, where he participated in band, orchestra, the woodwind quintet and handball team. After traveling the country as a professional musician for a year; he decided to attend college. Cleon earned his associates degree at Modesto Junior College, where he was a member of the band, orchestra, men's glee club and was president of the Boots and Daggers club. He met the love of his life, Cloris, at the Emanuel Lutheran church, where they married on June 27, 1943. They and their daughter moved to Moses Lake in 1953, where he farmed in Block 40 and was office manager for George Nolte Construction. Cleon was later president and owner of G & W Sand and Gravel. After retirement, he picked up his saxophone again, playing for dances, church services and in the BBCC Jazz band. He was a member of the Moses Lake United Methodist Church.

Cleon is survived by his daughter, Charlene Watson, his granddaughter, Melissa Yamamoto, a brother in law and sister in law, eight nieces and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cloris Watson, his parents, Clarence and Hennie Watson and his brother, Rodney Watson.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011 (alz.org) or to the Moses Lake United Methodist Church, 746 S. Ironwood Drive.

Cleon was a very loving, hard working and kind husband, father and grandfather. He will always be my hero.