WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Herbert ‘C.’ Watson, age 89, of Sturgis, passed away Monday morning, Dec. 5, 2011, at Thurston Woods Village.
He was born Jan. 31, 1922, in Livingston County, a son of the late Arthur and Edna Bess (Coleman) Watson.
On May 17, 1944, he married Wava Jean Large in Sturgis.
Herbert had been employed for 32 years at Kirsch Company in Sturgis before opening his own company, H&W Corporation. He also spent time working for GMC, Cadillac Motor Company.
Herbert enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 and attained the rank of Pharmacist Mate First Class. In 1943, he was assigned to Marine Training at Camp Pendleton with the 27th Marines, Fifth Division. He served as corpsman with the primary recon team at the battle of Iwo Jima. He was awarded the Bronze Star for going to the aid of several wounded men near the front lines. He carried them to a less exposed position and, although exposed to an enemy mortar barrage, proceeded to administer first aid to them. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Surviving are three sons, Larry (Cheryl) Watson of Huntington, Ind., Jeffery (Beverly) Watson of Sturgis and Roy (Anita) Watson of Kokomo, Ind.; also surviving are two daughters, Shelley (Dave) DeBoer of Fennville and Susan Watson (Ed Riley) of Hamilton; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers; five sisters; and a great-grandchild.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life has been set for 4-7 p.m. Friday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, with full military honors being conducted at 6:45 p.m. by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard and Capt. John J. Kelley V.F.W. Post #1355.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial donations be directed to Thurston Woods Village, 307 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.
