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Larry Arthur Watson Obituary

Brought to you by Brent Taylor and Paul McCarver Funeral Directors

Larry Arthur Watson

Memphis, TN

December 5, 2021

Larry Arthur Watson Obituary

Larry Arthur Watson passed away on Sunday, December 5th at 81 years of age in Memphis (Bartlett), Tennessee after a struggle with pneumonia. True to his Missouri-mule nature, Larry fought long and hard. Surrounded by family, and supported by his faith, he was able to let go peacefully. Larry was born on June 9th, 1940 in the rural town of Richland, Missouri. He graduated from Richland High School in 1958. Highlights of Larry’s school years were being a starter in a state basketball championship and achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. After high school, Larry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1959 to 1965, which included a tour of duty in Okinawa, Japan. While stationed at Treasure Island in San Francisco, Larry met his wife Lee at a USO dance through her job at the British Consulate. With his Marine Corps certification as a radio relay repairman, he pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Missouri, Columbia. Larry then entered the exciting new world of consumer electronics, which led to his career of small business ownership and entrepreneurship. Larry is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Lenore “Lee” and their four children, Monique (Greg) Brant (Deanne), Bryan (Kirsten), and Francene (Scott). He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Hugh, Wystan, Haley (Andre), Abbey, Nolan, Olivia, Annika, & Rory, and one great grandchild, Henry; his Aunt Joyce (Watson) Miller; his sister Verda DeCeault and brother Murray Jensen (Karen), and six nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Arthur Adrian Watson; his mother, Frances Irene (Chalfant), and his stepfather, Milton Jensen. He loved and was proud of his entire family, and always stayed connected to his Missouri roots. Seeking new opportunities in the business world was Larry’s passion. The love of new ideas and opportunities led he and his family to living in many parts of the United States. In 1980, Larry and Lee returned to Northern California with their four children, where one of Larry’s treasured business ownerships grew—a small appliance store in the sweet, small town of Chico. There, Larry built community and their lives flourished. During these years, he and Lee traveled widely including several trips to Lee’s home country, Australia. Traveling was their shared joy and delight. After moving back to his beloved Missouri from California in 1997, Larry started a travel and real estate-related business in Branson with his son Bryan. As the business grew, Larry joined Bryan and his family in Memphis, where he could be closer to his Tennessee grandchildren. Although Larry loved to read, travel, philosophize, and volunteer, he had no desire to settle into retirement. Up until his last days with us, he helped support other family members in their respective business pursuits. A visitation will be held from 12:00 – 1:00 PM, with funeral mass at 1:00 pm on Thursday, December 9th at St. Ann Catholic Church, located at 6529 Stage Road in Bartlett, TN. On Friday, December 10th at 2:00 pm, a graveside ceremony will be held at his final resting place, Oaklawn Cemetery in Richland, MO, where he will be close by his mother, Frances and other family members. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Larry’s charity of choices, St. Vincent De Paul – St. Anne Conference: https://stannbartlett.weshareonline.org/ws/opportunities/SVDP

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