Robert "Big Bob" Watson's Obituary
'To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born...' Robert Watson was born on August 1,1940, in Alexandria, Louisiana. Robert was the seventh of nine children born to the late Mose and Doreatha Watson. His parents were former sharecroppers on a plantation in Longleaf, Louisiana. They had journeyed to Alexandria to find a better life and more opportunities for a family. Robert attended Alexandria public schools, attending grade school at Peabody Primary School, graduating from Peabody High School in 1958.
Robert and his family attended Mt.Triumph Baptist Church. He was baptized at the age of seven by the late Reverend Stemley.
Robert loved sports, especially baseball and football. In high school Robert was a member of the football team. He said that through his school bus travels, he discovered another world outside of his small hometown of Alexandria. Robert often said that this is when he knew he wanted to see more and to travel the world.
It was while he was a freshmen in high school that Robert met his life partner, Hattie Slaughter.
'A time to love and a time to plant...' Robert and Hattie were married February 6th, 1960. To this 55 year union, three daughters were born: Twanda, Renee and Stacy.
'A time to pluck up...' Robert, now known as "Big Bob," in 1962 enlisted into the United States Army. He would finally get to travel the world. He was stationed many places such as Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas; Ft. Lee, Virginia; Dachau, Germany; multiple assignments at Ft. Lewis, Washington. 'A time for war...' Robert served in the Vietnam War from 1967 through 1968. Upon his return from the war, he had further assignments to include Ft. Bliss, Texas; Ft. Dix, New Jersey; Mannheim, Germany; South Korea, and finally retiring at Ft. Lewis, Washington in 1983. During Bob's military service he earned numerous medals and commendations including two Drill Sergeant of The Year Awards, two Drill Sergeant of the Cycle awards, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star and a Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm award.
Always valuing education, "Big Bob" returned to school following his military retirement. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Evergreen State College in 1986.
that same year, "Big Bob" became employed with the Washington State Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer at McNeil Island Correctional Facility. He was employed there for twenty years. His second retirement came in 2003.
Bob enjoyed his time spent with his greatest joy, his wife and family. He loved to watch his grandsons play sports attending tennis matches, little league, baseball, basketball,wrestling and football games. He was always early and ready to cheer them on, giving extra coaching from his front row seat. Bob loved family, friends, trips "home" to Louisiana, music, dance and laughter. Throughout his life and travels, he remained a faithful servant to God. An active member of his church, Grace Gospel, he looked forward to Bible Study and Sunday morning worship. Bob never met a stranger. His constant message to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was,"You need to show God's love by speaking to people, helping people...don't look at what you'll get back. Just do it because it's the right thing to do."
'A time to die... a time to mourn... a time to celebrate...' On Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 7:45 PM, Robert Watson passed away peacefully, with his family at his side.
Robert "Big Bob" leaves to cherish his memory and to celebrate his life, his wife Hattie; two sisters, Gladys and Lucille; three daughters, Twanda (Dondia Sr.), Rosa Renee (Ronnie), Stacy (Rodney); five grandsons Dariole, Dondia II (Jasmyn) , Julian, Demetrius and Dalton; one granddaughter, Teneka; three great grandchildren, Anayia, Khalil and Violet; one soon-to-be born great granddaughter, Keyani; a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
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