Jerry Wayne Watson

Jerry Wayne Watson, passed away on Monday, January 18, 2021, at Riverview Nursing Home. Jerry was born on April 13, 1937, in Moberly, Missouri, to the late Travis P. and Oma Gertrude (Sword) Watson. On June 3, 1962, he married Ruth Marie Wilmsmeyer at the Immanuel United Church of Christ in New Franklin, Missouri. He attended school in Harrisburg and Boonville, Missouri. He graduated from Boonville High School in 1955, and from Central Methodist College in Fayette with a BS degree in Social Studies in 1959. He received his Master's Degree in Elementary and Secondary Education from the University of Missouri in 1964. He was employed as a Social Studies teacher with the Jefferson City school district from 1959 until 1968. He then was employed by the Missouri Department of Education as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor from 1968 until his retirement in October 1996. He was a longtime member of the Central United Church of Christ and a member of the Prime Time Club at the church. Jerry was also a life time member of the Boonville High School Alumni Association. Survivors include: his wife, Ruth of the home; daughter, Janet Baker (Russell) of Holts Summit, Mo.; son, Michael Watson (Kate) of Ashland, Mo.; grandson, Derek Baker of Holts Summit, Mo.; granddaughter, Amanda Baker of Columbia, Mo.; several sisters and brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother and sister-in-law, Duane and Mary Watson, and several other sisters and brothers-in-law. Private graveside services will be held at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Central United Church of Christ or the Alzheimer's Association. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com