William M. Watson
William M. Watson, 91, Fargo, ND, died Thursday, June 12th at Bethany Homes, Fargo.
William Merritt Watson, son of William V. & Adeline Watson, was born on June 28, 1911, at Fargo, ND. He grew up and was educated in Fargo, graduating from NDAC in 1933. He had a life long interest in and love of music, working as a high school band director in Iowa and Minnesota. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Shoemaker on October 8, 1938, at Princeton, MO. He joined the US Navy in 1944. He played in dance bands from the 1930's to the 1980's, including Alvino Rey's band in the 1940's. He returned to Fargo in 1952, where he was in business with his brother, Jack. He was a member of the ND State American Legion Band from the mid-1930's until the late 1980's. His wife, Elizabeth, died in 1984. He was united in marriage with Alice Schuh on July 5, 1985 at Fargo.
He is survived by his wife, Alice; a son and two daughters, William A. Watson, Washington, DC, Margaret A. Watson, Mission, KS, and Mary Ellen (Ralph) Oberlander, Indianapolis, IN; three grandchildren, Lisa Oberlander, Columbus, GA, Mark Oberlander, Seattle, WA, and Sarah Oberlander, Baltimore, MD.
Visitation: One hour before services at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home.
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Memorial service: 2 PM, Monday, June 30th at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo.
Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Bethany Homes Cares I, Third Floor South for their loving kindness during Bill's stay. Thanks also to his faithful friends for their visits.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Bethany Pet Companion Program, 201 S. University Drive, Fargo, ND, 58103, Hospice of the Red River Valley, 1701 38th Street SW, Fargo, ND, 58103 or the NDAL State Band Fund, % American Legion, PO Box 2666, Fargo, ND, 58108.
