Robert & Marie Watson

Robert E. Watson, age 85, and N. Marie Watson, age 83, formerly of Ithaca, died January 8 and 11, 2013 respectively, in Haines City, Florida.

Robert was born January 13, 1927 in Alma, the son of Earl and Loretta (Kennedy) Watson.  Marie was born July 5, 1929, in St. Louis, the daughter of Charles W. and Ina (Wright) Starry.

Bob learned to cut meat when he was still in high school, working for Wingets Meat Market when he was 16 years old.  After graduation he served with the US occupation forces in Europe.  Bob and Marie were married January 13, 1953 in St. Louis.  Bob worked for Henry Helman in Alma and bought Helman’s Market in 1967.  He worked with his sons and taught them the meat cutting trade, retiring in 1985.  Marie had worked at the diner and coney in St. Louis, and after she and Bob moved to Ithaca, she worked in Goodwins Drug Store for many years.  Together they enjoyed playing golf, playing cards, entertaining friends, and were members of the Elks Club.  Bob was also a member of the Masons.  They moved to Florida in 1989, where they were able to play all the golf and cards they wanted.

Bob and Marie are survived by their sons, Doug (Nan) Watson and Dennis (Robin) Watson, both of Ithaca, and their daughter in law, Colleen Keichle of Colombus, OH; Grandchildren, Eric, Brian, Steveie, Bryanna, and Dustin; and step grandson, Chad Peterson; 4 great grandchildren; and Bob’s sisters, Barbara Mills of Midland and Ruth (Don) Johns of Huntington Beach, CA.  They were preceded in death by their sons, Dave and Robbie; Bob’s brothers, Edward Watson, Bernie Watson and Bill Watson; and Marie’s brothers and sister, Kenny Starry, Chuck Starry, Frank Starry, Maynard Starry, and Virginia Dutcher.

A memorial service will be held 1pm Sunday, June 16, 2013 at the North Star Golf Course. A dinner will follow at 4pm at 221 S. Main St. in Ithaca.