John E Watson

John Edward Watson was born on July 9, 1946. His early education took place at Howard Roosa and Chestnut Walnut elementary schools, culminating in his graduation from Bosse High School in the class of 1964. Raised in a blended family by his parents, Hattie and Herman Hayden, John had two brothers: Robert (Martha) Hayden, who resides in Roswell, GA, and Michael Hayden, who is deceased.

After high school, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, committing to a four-year term dedicated to his country. His academic focus while in service included hydraulic and pneumatic systems, with a specialization in the B-58 Bomber and Helicopter aircraft. His final assignment was with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (Hurricane Hunters) in Puerto Rico, where he was responsible for maintaining the operational status of aircraft used to track North America's weather patterns.

Transitioning from military to civilian life, John continued his work in the field at SIECO's Warrick and Cully power stations. In 1978, he was commissioned as a Boiler/Pressure Vessel Inspector for the state of Kentucky, working at Modern Welding Co. in Owensboro, KY. During his interview for this position, when asked if he was a Purdue Engineering School alumnus, he proudly responded, "No, I am a product of the US Air Force.” The interviewer remarked, “You’re a Civil Engineer, get the degree!” to which John confidently replied, "Why, I wrote the books!"

In 1988, John was among the pioneering employees at the American Electric Power plant in Rockport, IN, where he worked diligently until his retirement in 2008.  John's electrical career spanned more than 45 years, accumulating an immense wealth of knowledge and experience.

John was passionate about his field and often expressed concern over the dwindling interest among younger African Americans in pursuing training and careers in electrical engineering and power production. He saw this as a highly rewarding trade discipline essential for the nation's power grid.

John Edward Watson's legacy is one of dedication, expertise, and a commitment to both his country and his profession. He leaves behind a remarkable example of a life well-lived in service and excellence.

For relaxation, one of his passions was betting on horse racing at our tri-state race track, Ellis Park in Henderson, KY. He also had favorite tracks all over the country! Upon his first visit to Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Arizona, he commented "one more off my Bucket List" but remarked it was not quite like the one back home! A big fan of the Kentucky Derby, one of our many short trips was a drive to Louisville, KY, spending the day and thus knocking another one off the Bucket List.

Some other trips which included the boys were to museums that housed military aircraft, planes, and engines. We visited the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Flight Museum, the Space Museum in Huntsville, Alabama, and the Kennedy Space Center, actually witnessing a space shuttle launch at Cape Canaveral, FL. He relished sharing and pointing out the functions of the various pipelines and cables of the hydraulic and pneumatic systems, knowing them like the back of his hand. Viewing the insides of jet engines, which were big enough to stand in, was a thrilling experience.

He had a special passion for firearms, amassing a small arsenal of rifles and handguns. When he disappeared for a length of time, we knew he was at the gun range, especially if the boys or his brother-in-law were home. His favorite handgun was the one Clint Eastwood used, which he nicknamed "Make My Day!" This passion led him to participate in several Evansville Police Academy classes and their Citizen Ride Along program, thus gaining a special relationship with the EPD officers.

John also loved smooth Jazz (Kenny G) and Blues music, rounding out his leisure time with a love of Bar-B-Queing; no matter the weather condition! When off from work, he'd be at whatever sports activity Del (marching band) and Channing (football) were involved in.

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by brother, Michael Hayden; sister, Marylin Givens.

He is survived by a large, blended family, his wife of 50 years, Linda; one daughter Tina Watson, Little Rock, AR; 3 sons, Delbert Rogers, Whitestown, IN, Titus Watson Little Rock, AR, Channing Rogers Ohlongopo, the Philippines. He was affectionately referred to as 'Papa John' by 5 grandchildren, Josa' (Allyson) Holloway, Little Rock, AR, Sean and Natalie Rogers, Gainesville, FL, Mia and Asa Rogers, Whitestown, IN; 1 Great-Grandson, Mateo Holloway; 1 Great-granddaughter, Aria Holloway all of Little Rock, AR; brother, Robert (Martha) Hayden, Roswell, GA; four sisters, Marguerite Tubberville Boston, MA, Emma Fyles Blioxi, MS, Rosa Brown, St. Louis, MO; A host of nieces, nephews and Sisters-in-law! A very special friend who grew up with our youngest son, in and out of our house, Chris Martin, has been his right-hand buddy these last few years. Walter `Chip' Cramer befriended him during his time at Independence Village (Willow Park), Evansville, IN.

In-lieu of flowers, a non-profit has been established to work with 8th graders introducing them to the trade discipline of the production of Electricity ⚡ for the nation's power grid. Donations may be made to: Heritage Federal Credit Union to Watson's Power Punch ⚡ for the Future' (Watson2Wire). Routing & Transit number: 281378108, Savings Account number: 10200000013018. You may contribute by mailing a check to or paying in person at your nearest Heritage Federal Credit Union location.

The family would like to thank: The Staff at Independence Village (Willow Park), Riverpoint Rehab Center, Deaconess Gateway Hospital Warrick, Dr. Mitchell McCord, New Hope Baptist and Nazarene Baptist churches, South Lincoln Pk. Neighborhood Association, family, friends, and High school classmates 1964 & 65'.

In honor of John's service to his country, Military Rites will be given at the time and place of burial.