Larry “Watty” Watson, 72, of Gillespie, died at 11:44 p.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Funeral services were held on Monday, April 10, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie. Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie assisted the family with arrangements.
Mr. Watson was born on July 11, 1950, in Litchfield, to James T. and Gloria (McCourt) Watson. He married Donna Rae Mertz on August 23, 1969, in Carlinville.
Mr. Watson was retired after having been a coal miner for Monterey Coal Mine. He was a member of the UMWA Local #1613, and a volunteer fireman for Gillespie Fire Department Unit District #7. He enjoyed the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, playing poker, hunting and going to auctions with his friends.
Mr. Watson is survived by his wife; children, Steve Watson, Vickie (companion, Travis Nessl) Watson and Jimmy (spouse, Paula) Cox, all of Gillespie; grandchildren, Austen, Tessa, Shelby, Ryley, Kaylee,Joie and Addison; great-grandchildren, Liam, Stetson and Lyle; sisters, Leann Shuey and Gaye (spouse, Charlie Rossini) Watson; and sister-in-law, Sally Watson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, James Watson.
Memorials are suggested to Gillespie Fire Department or Gillespie High School Sports. Condolences may be left online at www.kravanyafuneral.com.
