WATSON

John Howard ‘Jack’ Watson, Jr., 96, of Sparta, IL; born on November 2, 1927 in Randolph County, IL, the son of John Howard Watson, Sr. and Florence (Lawson) Watson; passed away Thursday, November 9, 2023 at BJC Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Jack was a United States Army Air Corps Veteran and was proud of his time in the service.  After his time in the service, Jack returned home and became a livestock seller/trader.  He married Mary Margaret Cleland on November 12, 1949, in Coulterville, IL.  Jack wrote a book about his life; growing up through the depression, his time in the service, and how things have changed over the years.  Jack was an avid cards player, whether it was poker or pinochle he loved playing.  Some of his other favorite hobbies included playing BINGO, Scrabble, or watching horse races.  Jack and his family were thrilled to be able to celebrate his 96^th birthday at Pistol City Restaurant in Coulterville before he passed.

He is survived by two children – Mary Ellen (Mark) Bollmann of Chester, IL and John Charles (Marianne) Watson of Sparta, IL; ten grandchildren –  John (Amanda) Raney of Pinckneyville, IL, Joseph Raney of Oakdale, IL, Jennifer (Steve Lively) Watson of Percy, IL, Kyle (Ashley) Watson of Sparta, IL, Kory (Jenni) Watson of Sparta, IL, Trevor (Morgan) Bollmann of Bloomington, IL, Casey (Krista) Bollmann of Ballwin, MO, Alyssa Houska of St. Charles, MO, Margaret ‘Maggie’ Houska of Warrenton, MO, and Dawn (Daniel) Canady of Lake St. Louis, MO; seventeen great grandchildren – Cole Raney, Jacob Raney, Cory Raney, John Issac Raney, John Logan Mauer, Bailey Watson, Wyatt Lively, Abel Lively, Gavin Watson, Lily Watson, Saylor Watson, Wade Watson, Evan Rennes Bollmann, Ian Bollmann, Sage Bollmann, Aston Canady, and Eden Canady; daughter-in-law – Patti Watson; son-in-law – Ron Houska; other relatives and friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife – Mary Margaret (Cleland) Watson; parents; son – William ‘Bill’ Watson; daughter – Martha Houska; three sisters – Elizabeth Brosch, Helen Menke, and Patricia Keating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church Building Fund.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.heilschuessler.com.

The Memorial Visitation will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.  Memorial Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mark Sedwick officiating.  Committal Services will be held at Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta, IL.

Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Peggy Cicka Belcher says:

   11/12/2023 at 12:22 pm

   My condolences to the family. My dad and Jack were great friends and loved to play poker together.

   Reply
2. Billy and Lori Wilson says:

   11/11/2023 at 9:02 pm

   So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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3. Linda Henderson says:

   11/11/2023 at 3:35 pm

   Jack was a unique person to know. I played bingo when he was the caller. He always told the neatest stories. Very nice man to know as well as his wife was. My prayers to his family.

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4. Janice Wall says:

   11/11/2023 at 3:10 pm

   My sincere condolences to all the family. He will be missed but held close in our memories. My prayers are with each of you for comfort and peace during this difficult time.

   Reply
5. Jenna Lambeth says:

   11/11/2023 at 7:56 am

   Condolences to the family of Jack. I didn’t know him, but Bill & l were in the same class if ’71at SHS, & l knew John vaguely-he was a couple years older. Jack’s niece, Betsy & l were close friends. l know he will be missed by her, his family & most of Sparta!
   Praying for you all as you grieve his passing into glory!

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6. Lela Neisler says:

   11/10/2023 at 7:50 pm

   Celebrating a life well lived!! Jack was certainly someone my father new, as Dad along with his friend, Art Gottschammer would go to Sesser Sale Barn to buy calves.

   Reply