Thomas Grant Watson, age 80, of Tucson, Arizona formerly of Kansas City, Missouri died Wednesday June 6, 2007, at the Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona.

   Mr. Watson was born on January 16, 1927, near Knox City, Missouri the son of Chester Floyd and Velma Lee Goodwin Watson.

   On June 25, 1949, at Kansas City, Missouri he was united in marriage to Georgia Elizabeth Schempp.

   Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Georgia Watson of Tucson, Arizona, one son Karl Thomas Watson and wife Kathy of Tucson, Arizona, one daughter Barbara Jo Duane and husband Thomas of Savannah, Missouri, five grandchildren, Karl Anthony Watson, Krista Del Bosque and husband Francisco, Joseph Watson and wife Elizabeth, Philip Duane and wife Andrea, and Matthew Duane and wife Heather, seven great grandchildren, Christian Del Bosque, Nicholas Del Bosque, Alexandra Watson, Andrew Watson, Dalton Duane, Drew Duane and Lincoln Duane, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Billy Watson and one sister, Betty Jo Watson.

   Thomas was raised and educated in Knox City where he graduated from the Knox City High School.  He served his country in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946.

   He lived most of his life in Kansas City, Missouri where he was employed with Andies & Roberts Construction Company until his retirement in 1988.

   In 1993 he and his wife moved to Tucson, Arizona where they have since resided.  Thomas was a member of the Knox City American Legion Post # 358 and a member of the Pusch Ridge Christian Church in Tucson, Arizona.

   Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Sunday June 10, 2007, at the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, Missouri.  The Reverend Ken Green officiated the services.  Burial with full military honors was held in the Knox City Cemetery conducted by Knox City American Legion # 358.

Music was provided by Anita Miller, organist and JoAnne Layman, soloist.

   Casket bearers were Karl Anthony Watson, Francisco Del Bosque, Joseph Watson, Philip Duane, Matthew Duane and Thomas Duane.

   Expressions of sympathy in memory of Thomas Grant Watson may be made to the Macular Degeneration Foundation Inc. or Charity of choice.   Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, Missouri 63537.

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