Thomas R Watson, Sr. Obituary (1947

Thomas R. Watson, Sr., age 70, of Corning passed away peacefully after a brief illness surrounded by family on Saturday, December 16, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. Tom was born in Corning on January 11, 1947 to Richard and Beverly (Hawkes) Watson. He married Linda D. Jones on September 15, 1967 in Corning. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Tom served honorably in the United States Marine Corps. Tom also worked for Weyerhauser Co. and AIM in Corning but his true calling was his endless desire to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. He even went on to start a local chapter for the Spinal Cord Association and was actively involved in fundraising for spinal cord research. Tom was most proud of his children Tom Jr. and Michael and can be remembered most as a devoted father who relentlessly worked to give them the best life possible. Tom and Linda were able to split their time between Corning and Florida where their sons live. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Surviving are his loving wife, Linda, of Corning and Florida, Michael Watson, of Corning, and Thomas R. Watson, Jr., of Hawthorne, Florida. He is also survived by brother David (Rosario) Watson of San Antonio, Texas; sisters, Linda Lasher of International Falls, MN, and Lu Anne (Guy) Holland Albrecht of Painted Post, along with several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date according to his wishes.