Charles Wesley Watson, 80

SLAUGHTER NECK - Charles Wesley Watson departed this life Monday, Dec. 10, 2007, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. He was 80.

Mr. Watson was born on Feb. 5, 1927, in Slaughter Neck to the late Elize and Malinda Shockley Watson.

He was educated in the Slaughter Neck elementary school and Delaware State High School.

After attending Delaware State High School, Mr. Watson enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1950 and retired in 1971.

He fought in the Korean War and Vietnam War, and was wounded during combat.

After retiring with 21 years of service, he returned to vocational school becoming certified in HVAC and carpentry.

Mr. Watson became an active member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church at an early age.

He was a productive lay speaker, trustee, church school teacher, led an AAA group, a member of the gospel choir and Methodist Men, and served on the state usher board.

Later Mr. Watson moved to Dover and attended Whatcoat United Methodist Church.

After becoming sick, he returned back to his home church, Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church.

Mr. Watson was preceded in death by one son, Bruce Watson; three sisters, Alpenia Morris, Clara Doris Lassister and Virginia Watson; and three brothers, Weldon, Joseph and Rexsall Watson.

He is survived by Charles Reed, whom he loved like a son; two sisters, Mary H. Shockley and Blanche W. Crim; a brother-in-law, Clarence N. Crim; three grandchildren; niece and caretaker, Cassandra Young; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday in Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, where a viewing will be 6-8 p.m. today and one hour prior to services Friday.

Interment will be 1 p.m. Monday in the Millsboro Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.

Arrangements by Young & McPherson Funeral Home, Milford.