Watson, Gary James

Gary James Watson, 67, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center following a stroke. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West, 1604 J St. SW, by Pastor Tim Carter, First Church of the Nazarene. Friends may call after 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral chapel. Burial: Shiloh Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Gary is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lorraine; daughter, Christine Sue Hayes and husband Marion of Washington; four grandchildren, Falon Watson, granddaughter/daughter Britney Watson, Tim Oehler and Ryan Oehler; brother, David Watson, Cedar Rapids; and sister, Nancy Wilson and husband Ron, Marion.

He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Lloyd Watson while serving in the Navy; parents, Lloyd and Carole (Dale) Watson; and a sister, Jean Hansen.

Gary was born July 22, 1943, in Ottumwa. He married Lorraine Kay Bailey on Dec. 22, 1961, at Open Bible Church in Cedar Rapids. Gary served in the U.S. Navy on an aircraft carrier from 1961 to 1964. He had worked at Universal Engineering, the Duane Arnold Nuclear Power Plant in Palo and Alliant Energy, retiring from there in 2002.

Gary enjoyed entertaining in his garage. His friends and family would spend hours in this special place, a neighborhood “Cheers.” Anyone could stop by day or night to watch a NASCAR race, borrow something, ask for advice or have Gary help fix their car. He was one of “The Six Musketeers,” a close-knit group of men who would do anything for each other or anyone in their families. Gary was excitedly looking forward to this April when he was to become a great-grandfather twice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society for breast cancer research.