John Raymond Watson's Obituary
John Raymond Watson, age 85, of Charleston, Illinois, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, December 8, 2025. He was born on January 31, 1940, in Ashmore, Illinois, the son of John Leaborn and Martha Lucille (Lovell) Watson.
On June 19, 1959, John married the love of his life, Linda Kay Hendrix, in Charleston. They were just kids when they began their journey together, and through their unwavering devotion, they shared nearly 55 wonderful years of marriage before her passing on April 4, 2014.
John is survived by his four children, Tami and her husband Terry Lemons of Charleston, Pam Watson-Taylor and her wife Tammi Taylor of Charleston, John and his wife Kristen Watson of Mattoon, and Cindy and her husband Thomas Amstutz of Charleston. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, Jenna and Keith Lemons, TJ Lemons, Matt and Heather Lemons, Thomas and Stephanie Lemons, Jessica and Cameron Wright, Katherine and Benji Long, Kelsee and Jose Lira, Luke and Tori Watson, Emily and Jeremy Mooday, Jacob Watson, Kristan Amstutz, and Brandon and Sierra Amstutz; twenty-two great-grandchildren; his brother, Robert Eugene Watson of Charleston; and his faithful companion, Laddy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Linda, and his three brothers.
John was a graduate of Westfield High School and spent nearly his entire life as a proud member of the Charleston community. He worked for many years in manufacturing at Moore Business Forms before finishing his career as a press operator at Arkwright in Charleston.
John was also active in the community he loved. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose #1388 and a devoted supporter of the Charleston High School Booster Club. Outside of work and service, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, gardening, and woodworking. He coached baseball when his son was young, and he had a special talent for counted cross-stitch, creating pieces that his family will treasure forever.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, in Charleston. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Travis Spencer officiating. Burial will take place afterward at Maple Hill Cemetery in Westfield.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Coles County Animal Shelter, 6818 N. Co. Rd. 1120 E., Charleston, IL 61920, or the Alzheimer’s Association in Illinois, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
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