Thomas D. Watson, Jr.

Thomas Davis Watson, Jr., 89, of Lake Charles, LA, died at 3:10 PM on Friday, September 13, 2019 in a local care facility.

Mr. Watson was born October 29, 1929 in Lake Charles, LA.  He was a graduate of Landry High School.  He attended both McNeese Junior College and New Mexico State, where he was on the Rodeo team for both.  Mr. Watson then served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and received his Master’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) and his PhD from Texas Tech in 1972.  He began working at McNeese State University in the fall of 1972 as a Dr. of History and retired after over twenty years of service as the Professor Emeritus and Head of the History Department.  Doc was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, where he served as a Lector and volunteered in various roles throughout the years.  He was also a member of the McNeese Foundation, remained active with the Rodeo Association, and was a big fan and supporter of all McNeese sports, especially baseball, softball, volleyball and rodeo.  Mr. Watson truly loved his job and was blessed to be able to follow his passion with his career; to teach and open the eyes of his students to follow his passion was a true blessing.

Mr. Watson is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Carol Watson; and son, Michael Watson and wife Judy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas D. Watson, Sr. and Jean C. Watson; son, Brian Earl Watson; and daughter, Elizabeth Ann Watson.

His funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 16, 2019 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church.  Monsignor Jace Eskind will officiate.  Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery.  Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home on Sunday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a rosary at 5:00 PM and continue on Monday from 8:00 AM to 9:40 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the McNeese Foundation.