Leonard Lee Watson

Leonard Lee Watson, age 82, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, June 23, 2012. Leonard was born on June 27, 1929, in Ontario, California, to his parents Gilbert and Ruth Watson. Leonard lived in Ontario, Brea and Oakdale, California, before moving to Nixa five years ago, in 2007. Leonard served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, at the rank of Corporal, and was stationed in Puerto Rico and the Panama Canal. After his service to our country, Leonard met the love of his life, Shirley, on a blind date, and they married six months later, on November 14, 1952. The newlyweds settled in Southern California, and Leonard began working at Douglas Aircraft. The couple began a family, and had four children; Robert, Linda, Brenda and David. Leonard decided to become a police officer, and was sworn in with the Brea/Yorba Linda Police Department, in Southern California, in 1961. Leonard transferred to the Oakdale Police Department, in Northern California, and continued serving until retiring from law enforcement in 1980. Leonard liked working on small engine repair, building, and gardening. Leonard loved to travel, camp and fish. Leonard, his wife and children journeyed to many beautiful places. Leonard is survived by his wife Shirley. The couple would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this November. Leonard is also survived by sisters Betty Thompson, of Springfield, and Shirley Fleming, of La Verne, California. Leonard's loving children are Robert and Bonnie Watson, of Coatesville, Indiana, Linda Carlson of Placentia, California, Brenda and Byron Duerfeldt of Redmond, Oregon, and David and Wendy Watson of Modesto, California. Leonard and Shirley had seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at 9:00 A.M., at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, in Springfield.