09-11-1932 – 03-21-2023Paul Vernon Watson, 90, of Henderson Tenn. passed away March 21, 2023, at his home. Funeral services were held on March 24 at Estes Church of Christ with Jim Watson officiating.

Paul was born Sept. 11, 1932, in Octa, Mo. He graduated from Parma High School in Parma, Mo. He married Anna Lee Bridges on Dec. 8, 1950, and went on to serve four years in the Air Force. After leaving the military, he attended college at Freed Hardeman in Henderson, Tenn., and Abilene Christian in Abilene, Texas.

He was a minister for the Church of Christ in Thayer in the 1960s and 1970s. He also ministered in Texas, North Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee until declining health prevented fulltime work.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Lee Bridges Watson of Henderson, Tenn.; two daughters, Donna (Mark) Crisp of Mt. Juliet, Tenn. and Lana (Harold) Pirtle of Henderson, Tenn.; one son, Steve (Alisa) Watson of Gurley, Ala.; sister-in-law Ruthann Watson, brotherin- law Tom Yates, seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Willie Watson of Parma, Mo., and all six of his siblings: Dorothy (Junior) Reeves, Venita (R.D.) Woods, Dean (Lindy) Belew, Curt Watson, Jo Ann Yates, Terry (Ken) Hudgens.

Paul married the love of his life Ann on Dec. 8, 1950. They recently celebrated 72 years of marriage and a combined 90th birthday party. He enjoyed being a gospel preacher, helping the less fortunate, fishing, quail hunting, all things farm life and always a good joke.

Paul had a zest for life and never met a stranger. He loved people and regardless of the topic, he would always steer the conversation to the Lord and his faith. During his lifetime, he was a tireless worker for the Lord and led countless souls to Christ.

Hebrews 13:16 sums up his life: “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices, God is well pleased.”