Charles R. Watson

Charles Roy Watson, son of Milo Roy and Mary Eva (Cook) Watson, was born July 11, 1936, in Petersburg, Michigan. He lived in Petersburg until he married Janice Mae Haman on August 9, 1958, at St. Peters Lutheran Church, Petersburg. After their marriage, they became residents of Toledo, Ohio.

Charles is survived by one son, Gregory David (Susan) Watson, of Toledo; four granddaughters: Stacey Lynn Watson (Jordan Meiring), Brittany N. Coup, Rachel D. Watson, and Mackenzie L. Watson; and one great-grandson, Trent Jacob Meiring.

Charles was predeceased by his parents, grandparents: Charles H. and Bertha B. (Johnson) Cook and Roy D. and Elizabeth (Bousonville) Watson; sisters: Eva Marie Watson Gillen, Myla Mae Watson, and Bonnie Jean Beck Jester.

Charles was a 1954 graduate of Summerfield High School, Petersburg, Michigan. He attended Eastern Michigan University for three years and one year at the University of Toledo.

Charles and his wife, Janice, traveled extensively after their retirement in 1991. They were fortunate to visit 75 countries and islands during their travel years. Charles’ favorite travel experiences included seven photo safaris to the African continent, a three-week safari (tiger) to Nepal and India, and two Egyptian holidays.

Charles’ interests besides travel were genealogy, having traced his roots on his father’s side to the early 1630’s in colonial America. His early forebearers settled in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. He also enjoyed live theater, writing poetry (some published), gardening, sketching and drawing in charcoal, and following the Detroit Tigers, Toledo Mud Hens, and University of Toledo football.

Charles was a member of the Summerfield High School marching and concert bands, social fraternity Zeta Chi Sigma (Eastern Michigan University chapter), Sons of the American Revolution (Albany New York chapter), and former member of St. Peters Lutheran church, Petersburg, Michigan, where he was baptized, confirmed, and married.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 3-7 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. The Funeral Service for Charles will be on Friday May 9, 2025, at 11 am. Interment will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Petersburg, MI.

Memorial donations may be given to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.