Lewis Whiddon Watson, Jr.
Lewis Whiddon Watson, Jr. was born July 13, 1933 to Lewis Watson and Frankie Stapleton Watson in Cordele, TX. Having graduated Edna High School, Lewis enlisted in the Army, serving two years at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. After his Honorable Discharge, Lewis enrolled in Texas A & I at Kingsville, where he earned his Bachelors of Business Administration degree in 1957. During his enrollment there, he married his High School sweetheart and the love of his life, Shirley Lochausen.
After graduation, Lewis and Shirley moved to Victoria, TX, where Lewis began his lifelong career as a Banker with 1st Victoria National Bank. After three years of faithful service, Lewis accepted a position as the Vice President with the First State Bank of Uvalde, in Uvalde, TX, eventually joining Uvalde Bank, becoming the President and serving as the Chairman of the Board. With a servant’s heart and being very civic minded, Lewis served on various boards throughout his 20+ years in Uvalde, including President of the Board of Trustees for Uvalde ISD.
Continuing his calling to serve, Lewis and Shirley moved to Edna in 1987 where he pursued a second career in Real Estate. With a focus in Ranch lands, Lewis succeeded in this path for 20 years, eventually leading he and Shirley to Missouri City, TX, in 2015 where they lived out his remaining years with their daughter. For the 28 years they lived in Edna, Lewis and Shirley were faithful parishioners of Saint Agnes Catholic Church, where they attended Mass, and remained active members, every Sunday.
Throughout his life, Lewis loved the outdoors. He spent many years as an avid hunter and golfer, but his greatest joy and source of pride was his family. Friday, October 1, 2021, The Lord called Lewis home, where he was welcomed with a glass of Scotch and a cigar by his beloved friends and family.
Lewis is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Shirley, his two children, Lu Anne Jaegli and husband Glenn of Missouri City, TX, and Brian Watson and wife Doxie of Midland, TX. Lovingly known as their “Dado”, he is also survived by his 6 Grandchildren, William Jaegli and wife Patricia of Humble, TX, Amelia Wynn and husband John of Cypress, TX, Amanda Foshee and husband Matthew of Cypress, TX, Lewis Whiddon Watson, III “Tres” and wife Ashley of Midland, TX, Ansley Kolb and husband Jase of Midland, TX, Dutton Watson and wife Morgan of Midland, TX, Honorary Granddaughter, Danielle Smith “Gigs” of Easton, CT, and 7 Great Grandchildren, Reed and Jake Jaegli, Lincoln Foshee, Ryder and Anna Claire Watson, and Brady and Allison Jo Kolb.
A public visitation will be held at Oaklawn Funeral Home, 900 Navidad St, Edna, TX 77957, Thursday, Oct. 7, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. A Rosary will take place at Saint Agnes Catholic Church, 506 N Allen St, Edna, TX 77975, Friday, Oct. 8, at 10:00 a.m., with a Funeral Mass following at 10:30 a.m.
Pallbearers will be Lewis’ Grandsons: Tres, Will, Dutton, John, Jase, and Matthew. Honorary Pallbearers: Gus Westhoff, Fred Westhoff, Dr. Tony McDowell, Howard Ponish, Willard Ulbricht, and Janet Mitchell.
In honor of Lewis, his family leaves you with his most infamous prayer closing, and sincerest sentiments: “Thank ya’ and goodbye.”