Watson, Albert 'Al' E.

Albert “Al” E. Watson, 79, of Iowa City, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011. A gathering for family and friends will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at Lensing Funeral Home, 605 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City. Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Muscatine Memorial Park in Muscatine.

Al was born July 19, 1932, in Muscatine, the son of Newton and Elizabeth (Herlein) Watson. He was raised in and around Muscatine and Letts and was a graduate of Muscatine High School. Following graduation, Al attended the American Institute of Commerce in Davenport and later went on to earn a B.A. degree from the University of Iowa. For over 29 years, Al served either as purchasing manager or director of finance for numerous area companies, including Collins Radio, The HON Co. and the Cedar Rapids Community School District before retiring in 1997. Al later returned to work for the Equipment Division of Iowa City. He retired full time in March 2011.

In his free time, Al enjoyed golfing, watching sports, antiquing and spending time with his family. He also loved taking care of his loyal cat “Lila.”

Survivors include his three daughters, Terri (Duco) Van Aalst of Sacramento, Calif., Sherri Watson (Charlie Emig) of Cedar Rapids and Julie (Ray) Beranek of Reeds Spring, Mo.; two brothers, Donald (Diane) Watson and David (Doris) Watson, both of Muscatine; one sister, Mary (Don) Schantz of Washington, Iowa; two stepdaughters, Denise (Charles) Rawson of Washington, Iowa and Michele (Dan) Tamerius of Iowa City; two former wives, Marilyn Essex and Mitzi Earhart; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Al was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Blaine Watson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Albert Watson Memorial Fund.

Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at  under obituaries.

Published Sept. 22, 2011, in The Gazette