Watson, Estel Dale

Estel Dale Watson, 88, of Vinton, died peacefully Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at his home in Vinton surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, at First Christian Church in Vinton, with the Rev. Connie Wacht officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton and also one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in Maplewood Cemetery, Vinton. Military rites will be performed by Geo. G. Luckey American Legion Post 57 of Vinton and Iowa Military Funeral Honors of Iowa City.

Dale was born June 6, 1923, in Jayton, Texas, the son of Emery Edward and Grace Warren Watson. He married Mary Jean McFarland on May 7, 1950, in Vinton.

Dale served his country in the United States Army in the Philippines during World War II.

He worked as a machinist at Hawkbilt. He was a member of First Christian Church and George G. Luckey American Legion Post 57 in Vinton. He enjoyed carpentry, remodeling houses with his sons and playing with his grandchildren.

Dale is survived by his wife, Mary, of Vinton; two sons, Steven D. Watson and John R. (Donna) Watson, both of Vinton; two sisters, Doris Walton of Cisco, Texas and Grace (Dalton) Davis of Fort Worth, Texas; four grandchildren, Jason Watson, Raquel Watson, Joshua (Virginia) Watson and Jenna Watson; and three great-grandchildren, Jax, Logan and JolieMae Watson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Emery Watson; twin sister, Ethel; and sisters, Ina Fae Crabtree and Deena Weed.

A memorial fund has been established.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Dale and his family.

Condolences may be left at .

Published Sept. 25, 2011, in The Gazette