John Watson, 80

John W. Watson, Jr., 80, of Mountain Home, died Aug. 3, 2006, at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, Aug. 12, at the First Congregational Church, 515 E. 15th North St., in Mountain Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home.

John was born May 28, 1926, in Nashville, Tenn. He started life from humble beginnings, but in 80 years of living he had many great achievements, his family said with pride. "John was first and foremost, a devoted husband, wonderful father, loyal friend, and a consummate gentleman."

He was a World War II veteran, serving as a member of the U.S. Navy, and had 22 years of distinguished and honorable service in the U.S. Air Force, 17 years as a Veterans Administration counselor and representative, was a Master Gardener specializing in roses, and most recently was the Democratic candidate for Elmore County coroner.

"John loved photography and gardening, adding beauty to the world with his photos, and tending to rose gardens around Ada and Elmore counties, as well as passing on his extensive knowledge and expertise through lectures and classes," his family said.

"His compassion and utter devotion to friends and family were a hallmark of his character. He dearly loved his mother-in-law, Leona Flint, and was willing to help anyone in need. John even saved a neighbor from his burning house and administered CPR.

"John's talents were many, and his integrity and determination made him successful in all he did, whether as a porter sailing the Great Lakes, a bartender in a country club, an assembly line worker in a Detroit automobile factory, a Sea Bee in WWII, a dental technician and leader in the Air Force, a veteran's benefits counselor, or as a wedding photographer," his family said. " John will be dearly missed by many, but never forgotten."

John is survived by: his daughter Mia and her husband, Tom Good, of Oceanside, Calif., a granddaughter; his brothers, Carl Watson and Ed Watson of Hermitage, Tenn.; a sister, Odessa Webster of Hermitage; three sister-in-laws, Joan Williamson of Chicago, Ill., Sonja Barnes of Battle Creek, Mich., and Rosetta Hayes of Chicago.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Patricia, after her long battle with Alzheimers, and nine brothers and sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in John's name to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.