Earl "Bud" Watson, 95, died in his home, warm in bed, surrounded by his family on January 8, 2019.

Bud was born May 25, 1923 in Harrison Township, Paulding County, Ohio, the son of the late Lonnie and Ruey (Smalley) Watson.

Mr. Watson graduated from Sherwood Delaware High School in 1941. He was united in marriage to Ruth N. Heckman on July 3, 1949 at the Antwerp United Methodist Church. Ruth preceded him in death on January 18, 2016. He was a Union Lather by Trade for 35 years. He was a member of the Lathers Union 34, Carpenters Union 232 and the American Legion Post 137 Farmer, Ohio.

Bud enlisted and served during World War II in the Army in the 209 Field Artillery Division.

Having a great love for the outdoors, he enjoyed watching wildlife on his farm, gardening, walking in the woods and was an avid conservationist. Bud loved his family and spent most of his time surrounded by those he loved.

Bud is survived by daughters, Nila (Steve) Mumby, Kelly (Greg) Brown and Shelly (John) Merz; sons, Lonnie (Kate) and Shanon (Beth) Watson. Grandchildren include Nathan Mumby, Storm Evans, Ryan and Lucas Brown, Hayden, Haley and Mitchell Merz, Cheyenne, Aspen and Sierra Watson. A sister Mary Alice (Watson) Meyer also survives.

He was preceded in death by a sister; Esther Stiner and a daughter; Barbara Watson.

Services for Bud will be private, per his request.

Memorial contributions may be sent directly to Crippled Children and Adult Society, 309 Wendell Ave, Hicksville, OH 43526 or Community Health Professionals, 6825 OH-66, Defiance, OH 43512 or the organization of your choice.