LYLE WATSON obituary

Lyle A. Watson, 75, died of leukemia Saturday, Feb. 21, 2004, in Havre.

Crema-tion has taken place and a memorial service celebrating Lyle's life will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Presbyter-ian Church

with the Rev. Zoe Coutts officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Highland Cemetery. A fellowship reception will be held at the church immediately after graveside services.

Lyle was born on Dec. 10, 1928, in Havre to Henry and Nora (Johnson) Watson. He was raised in Gildford, attended Gildford schools and graduated from Gildford High School in 1946.

Lyle entered the U.S. Army in January of 1947. He was a personnel clerk serving in Company D 532nd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment. He tested atomic weapons at Eniwetok Atomic Proving Grounds. He was honorably discharged in June of 1948.

After his discharge, he returned to Gildford and married Jean Flynn on Oct. 8, 1950, in Havre. The couple made their home in Havre and raised four children. Lyle was a self-employed broker and owner of Law Realty and Watson Appraising.

Lyle was very active in the community and served in many civic organizations. He was a lifetime member of the Elks and Eagles, a charter member of Toastmasters, active member of Havre Hi-Line Board of Realtors and National Appraisal Institute, and member of the First Presbyterian Church. Lyle was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church, a developing founder of Havre Beneath the Streets, and past vice president of the Montana Association of Realtors.

His hobbies include fishing, hunting, historical research and preservation, four-wheeling, gardening, boating and barbecuing. His most treasured hobby was spending time with his wife, his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Nora Watson; brother Glennon Watson; and sister, Ruth Gagel.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Jean Watson of Havre; daughters, Kathi (Mark) Hanson of Richland, Wash., Kandi (Al VanDyke) Connor of Richland, Wash., Lori (Bob) Evans of Havre; son, Roger (Penny) Watson of Havre; brother, Earl (Audrey) Watson of Havre; sisters-in-law, Audrey Flynn of Kremlin, Daisy Watson of Laurel and Louise Flynn of Mesa, Ariz.; brother-in-law, James Flynn of Havre; 12 grandchildren; four great-granddaughters; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1046, Havre, MT 59501 or to Havre Beneath The Streets, P.O. Box 1605, Havre, MT 59501.

Services and arrangements are under the direction of Holland and Bonine Funeral Home.