William 'Bill' Madison Watson

WILLIAM “BILL” MADISON WATSON was born September 4, 1948, to Reo Rex and Ruby Estelle (Manning) Watson, in Muskogee. He passed away at the age of 77 in Muskogee. He attended Muskogee Public Schools and graduated from Muskogee Central High School in 1968. William “Bill” married Mona Faye (Stephens) on August 17, 1968, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. They shared over 55 years of marriage, life, and memories. Survived by daughters, Angelia “Angie” Watson and husband Jason Rush, of Muskogee, Stephanie Watson of Muskogee; sons, Billy Watson of Langley, Oklahoma, and Christopher Watson of Muskogee. Fictive sons, Kent Leamons of Arkansas and Patrick Pruet Sr. of Muskogee. Grandchildren: Joshua and Ayla Cowan, Madison Pruet and William Hitchcock, Patrick Jr. (PJ) Pruet and Brianna Perez, and Chase Pruet, all of Muskogee. Great-grandchildren: Aubry Rush, Jaxon Cowan, Elijah Cowan, Reign Hitchcock, all of Muskogee. Cousins David and Paulene Johnson of Albany, Oregon. Debra (Eck) and Jerry Bitterman of Sequim, WA. Cindy (Eck) and Michael Buckskin of Muskogee. David Clint Eck of Muskogee. Nieces & Nephews: Christina “Christy” (Salts) Bennett and friend Kevin Thornbrugh, and Chenoa Bennett of Warner, Oklahoma. Benjamin and Stephanie Buckskin, and Teddy Buckskin, of Muskogee. Steven Salts of Muskogee. Larry and Elysha Bennett, Vahn and Jesalyn Bennett, of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Many more families across the United States. Preceded in death by his wife, Mona Faye (Stephens) Watson; his parents, Reo Rex and Ruby Estelle Watson; sister and brother-in-law, Ruby and Ted Eck; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marla and Olen Salts. Aunts: Helen June Watson, Rose Lou Westbrook. Uncles: Edward Leon Watson, Floy “White” Winfred, and John Thomas Watson. Grandchildren: Gabriel and Rachel Cowan. Nieces: April Bennett and Marsha Neville. Bill proudly served in the United States Army from 1969-1970, serving one tour of duty in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Bill drove supply trucks full of ammunition, troops, artillery, and fuel for the 541st Transportation Company across Central Vietnam from places like An-Khe, Pleiku, Qui Nhon, and to the Cambodian border. Bill even served a stint on a gun truck as part of the “Red Ball Express” before being honorably discharged with the rank of a Specialist 4th Class. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Army Occupation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Campaign Medal, along with an Expert Marksmanship Badge. He worked at many places, such as Wonder Bread and Parisian Cleaners, before working at Muskogee General Hospital for 22 years as an Environmental Department Supervisor until his retirement in 1999. He gained respect from the hospital staff as an honest and fair man who lived what he believed. Through this job, there were many souls won to the kingdom of God. Affectionately known as “Papa Bill”, he loved spending time with his family and his church family. He taught many children how to fish and swim. He enjoyed camping, boating, and fishing with his brother-in-law, Olen, his family, and friends. He enjoyed going on vacations and sightseeing. He was also known as “Mr. Fix It”. Even though he taught his children and grandchildren how to change a tire, check the car oil, change a battery, do carpentry work, and assemble an above-ground swimming pool in one day, his family called on him frequently to “fix” things. He enjoyed his church Co-Youth Leadership and Co-Leadership of Music positions alongside dear friends, Charles and Charlotte Cotner, and loved singing with his wife, Mona, at the Muskogee United Pentecostal Church. He loved to study the Bible and give personal Bible studies. He loved attending the United Pentecostal Camp Meetings and hearing his pastors, Bill Shirel and Mike Hart, preach and teach God’s word. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, chess, listening to music, watching the news, watching Vietnam documentaries, and sharing music with his family, church family, and friends. He enjoyed studying the moon and the stars through his telescope. He held a Blackbelt in Karate. The family would like to thank the Muskogee United Pentecostal Church for their unwavering support. Bill’s celebration of life is pending at this time. The family of William ‘Bill’ Madison Watson has entrusted his care and cremation to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Muskogee. 918-910-8883. Online condolences may be left for the Watson family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

William 'Bill' Madison Watson

September 4, 1948 - December 3, 2025