Robert Lee “Bob” Watson, 64, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023. He was born August 19, 1958 in Morgantown to the late Allen Dayton Watson and Blanche Louise (Hartman) Watson.
Bob worked from a young age on area farms, often going from football practice to the hayfield, then back to football practice. He also played baseball, from Little League to Pony League. He belonged to Future Farmers of America (FFA) and was recognized as a member of the All-State Football Team. He graduated from Valley High School, in Masontown, WV, class of 1976.
Bob began taking classes at WVU, but couldn’t continue. He worked at Arkwright Coal Mines for 18 years, often sharing rides to work with his mom, who was a clerk, when their shifts coordinated. Bob married Ann Fortney on March 9, 1985. Since this was Ann’s birthday, Bob called this her “birthaversary” for the next 38 years. After being laid off, he went to school and received his Associates Degree in computers. He then began his own business, Complete Computer Services, winning contracts at a local power plant and a local hospital.
On April 1, 2000, Bob had a motorcycle accident which left him a quadriplegic. This might be the end of life for some people, but this was just another challenge for Bob. From the moment he realized he could move his arms and hands, there was no stopping him. There were many people that took a second look when they saw him using a mower to trim the yard; joystick of his motorized wheelchair in one hand and the handle of the push mower in the other. He used a wood splitter to split wood, bringing wood into the house in a five-gallon bucket sitting on his foot rests. He had raised garden beds in the back yard to grow strawberries. He also grew blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. He walked Sammy, his black lab, then Lilly, his chocolate lab, every day he was able. Life may have become more difficult as he aged but Bob met every challenge with humor, dignity and determination to do things his way.
Bob is survived by his wife, Ann; a brother, Allen David and his wife Donna and their children, Alex and Jeanette; and sister, Barbara Watson-Hamrick of Fairmont and her children, Drew Watson and Heather Hamrick, both from Morgantown. He also has family in Ohio and Virginia.
There will be no services. Bob will be cremated and his ashes will be scattered at Cheat River at a later date.
The Watson family would like to thank Preston Home Heath, especially Theresa, and Amedisys Hospice Services for taking such good care of Bob.
Condolences:
www.morganfuneralhomewv.com.
