John Willard Watson

John Willard Watson. Age 95 of Hillsboro, Missouri passed away on Monday, February 07, 2023, in Rolla, Missouri. Born May 19, 1927, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Willard W. Watson and Marguerite Watson (nee Poepping). He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp. After serving his country he attended the University of Missouri. He worked for 33 years mostly in sales and Marketing for various breweries. He was once known as Mr. Michelob as the Michelob Brand Manager for Anheuser-Busch. On returning to his home town of St. Louis he and his wife owned and operated a clothing dry cleaning plant in Affton. He enjoyed playing golf, reading and traveling. He was a longtime member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Hillsboro.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years and 51 weeks: Mary Lou Watson (nee Voss), beloved daughter, Elizabeth (Dan) Osolinski of Hillsboro, granddaughter, Ashley (Jesse) Fischer of Festus and two great grandchildren, Mason and Payton; brother, Thomas Watson and dear friend Carol of St. Louis County. He was preceded in death by a sister: Peggy Dover. Will be missed by many family members and friends. One of his favorite sayings was "From the rocking of the cradle to the rolling of the Hearse the going up was worth the coming down!

Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 8 P.M. on Monday, February 13th at Robert Brown Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Funeral Mass will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church officiated by Fr. Chris Holtmann at 11 A.M., February 14th. Burial will be at the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the St. Vincent de-Paul Society of Good Shepherd Catholic Church or Masses.