Obituary of Robert W. Watson

WATSON, Robert "Bob" W. of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2016 at Covenant HealthCare - Cooper. He was 81 years old. Robert Wayne Watson was born on January 18, 1935 in Guthrie, Oklahoma to the late Ruth (Schmidt) Watson. She and Carrie Roberts raised Bob and his sister, Shirley. Bob married Imogene "Toby" Yates in 1955; she survives him. Bob graduated from Arthur Hill Technical Trade School. After graduating, he started his career as a mechanical engineer for General Motors; he worked there for 42 years until his retirement in 1991. Bob was a well-respected engineer, holding at least one patent. In his spare time, he appreciated the arts and designed parts for racing stock cars. Bob loved nothing more than spending time with his family. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Toby; six children: Amy Kercher, Elizabeth (Brian) Turner, James (Trish) Watson, Susan (Jose Ramos) Gerger, Jane Watson, and John Watson; thirteen grandchildren: Sarah, Rachel, Robert, Vasiliy, Jennifer, Karen, Norman, Robbie, Jaime, Zachary, Jay, Aimee, and Jessica; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Ruth and Carrie Roberts; two sons: Robert Wayne II and Norman William Watson; and sister, Shirley Roberts. FUNERAL: Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 11, 2016 at St. Dominic Parish-Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church site, 4735 W. Michigan Ave, 48638. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State), on Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. On Thursday evening, a Vigil Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. On Friday, Bob will be taken to the church to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the American Heart Association or the Humane Society. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.