John Robert Watson of Bristow
February 16, 1945 – August 24, 2017
John Robert Watson was born February 16, 1945 to Tom and Dorothy (Shelton) Watson in Bristow, Oklahoma. He departed this life August 24, 2017 at the age of 72 years, 6 months and 8 days.
He was a Muscogee Creek Nation citizen. He attended Bristow Public Schools. John started developing his riding skills in 1960 at the age of 15; winning his first organized race in 1962 at Midway Downs in Stroud. He was extremely driven to compete at a high level and worked very hard to be the very best at his craft. In 1973, he won the world’s richest quarter horse race “The All American Futurity”. His career spanned from 1960 until his retirement in 1981 from riding. He continued in the horse racing industry as an assistant starter at California tracks.
John married Connie Deese in 1964 and from this union were born two daughters, Monica and Lucinda.
On December 7, 1991, John Robert Watson and Judy (Renfro) Luce were united in marriage. He enjoyed traveling all over the state watching his grandkids play basketball and softball. He also enjoyed team roping, playing golf, fishing and water skiing.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Judy Watson of Bristow; two daughters, Monica Hill and husband David of Bristow and Lucinda Thomas and husband Rocky of Depew; one sister, LaWauna Ozuna and husband Tim of Reno, Nevada; grandchildren, ShaRee Scott and husband Travis, ShaLae Hill, ShaVon Hill, Brooklyn Genzer and Sasha Nunamaker; great grandchildren, Blaine, Hokte, Mason, Tagon, Taelyn, Mary Annabelle and Jalen. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Tommy Joe Watson.
Family will be receiving friends at the funeral home from 2:00 – 5:00 pm, Sunday, August 27th.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00AM, Monday, August 28, 2017 at the Bristow Holiness Church with Reverend Douglas Meadow and Pastor L.W. Keeling officiating. Interment will follow at the Wiley Watson Cemetery near Dustin, Oklahoma
http://www.hutchinsmaplesfuneralhome.com/obituary/john-watson
