Bill Watson

William H. "Bill" Watson, 85, of Mountain Home, passed away at his home following a courageous battle with cancer, on Monday, July 7, 2014.

A viewing will be held on Monday, July 14, from 5-7 p.m. at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., on Tuesday, July 15, at the First Congregational Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Bill was born on Jan. 4, 1929, in Palmer Springs, Va., to Bishop Freeman and Louisa Watson. Bill was the youngest of five children.

He graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School and attended the University of Washington.

Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He retired after more than 20 years of military service. He received many commendations for his outstanding service, superior performance and bravery in Korea and Vietnam.

After retirement, he worked at Boeing in aerospace on military contracts and owned race horses. He decided to retire from both jobs and enjoy life in 1992.

Bill possessed an incredible sense of humor and ability to relate to and inspire all ages.

He is best remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and true friend to many.

His favorite joys were his two grandchildren, Courtney and Aysha, church, horse races, pinochle, table games, sports (basketball and football), reading, family, friends and monthly birthday outings. When Courtney and Aysha are not here, pictures of them always brought joy to his heart, since they live in Houston, Texas.

Bill was a member of the VFW, American Legion, DAV, Sabre Lodge, Senior Center, First Congregational Church and Bridge Club (ABCL).

Bill leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Darleen Watson, two stepdaughters, Thelma and Michelle Davis, two grandchildren, Courtney and Aysha Anderson, sisters-in-law Janice Clayton, Zonyia Clayton and Jacque Clayton, brother-in-law Alfred Clayton, nieces, nephews, long-time friend Auston Rea Duncan and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Watson, both his parents, his sister, Sarah Watson, and brothers Freeman, James, George and Charles Watson.

Donations in Bill's memory can be sent to: St. Jude's Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; American Cancer Society, 2676 S. Vista, Boise, ID 83705; Treasure Valley Hospice, 1000 N. 3rd East St., Mountain Home, ID 83647.