Leslie Watson

Leslie Wayne Watson, 59, of Rockton passed away December 25, 2009 in his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born June 25, 1950 in Rockford, son of Harry and Viola Watson. He married Fran Mandera in Rockton on May 29, 1982. Les worked for Com-Ed for 37 years as a lineman and crew leader in the Overhead Department, retiring on Friday the 13th of 2005. Les served proudly in the Army Reserve and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Muskie Club, American Legion of Pecatonica, Verdi Club and Heart of America Miniature Horses.

He graduated from West High School in 1968. Leslie was an avid fisherman and hunter and had a great love of animals. He enjoyed his family and friends, playing Santa at Christmas and hosting pig roasts on the farm. Survivors include his wife Fran, Children; Travis

(Shannon) Watson, Mark (Jana) Carey, Tina (Dr. Michelle Rotert) Ingram, JD (Kirsten) Watson and Laurie Watson. Grandchildren; Cody Wellons, Kinsey Watson, Logan and Emerson Carey, Franchesca and Madeline Ingram, Hannah Watson and Dakota Watson. Brothers and Sister; Ron (Sue) Watson, Diane (Rich Disterhaft) Coogan, Randy (Eva) Watson and John Watson. Special Cousins; Darryl and Pam Brauer, Debbie and Steve Pash, Sherry and Kenny Triplett, Tom and Shelly Watson. Predeceased by his Mother and Father. Special thanks go to OSF Center for Cancer Care; Dr. Kent Hoskins, Dr George Bryan, Nurses; Deb, Kathy, Shauna, Becky, Kim, Denise, Emily, Jen and Lisa, Clerical Staff; Carrie and Tami. Also thanks to VNA Hospice; Paula, Molly, Vickie, Beverly, Jackie and especially Shawn for his patience and care. A special thank you to Cathy Hudson and Diane Coogan for the special care they gave Les and for tending to the farm so that Fran could share extra quality time with Les. Services at 11am Thursday, December 31, 2009 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home Riverside Chapel 3910 N. Rockton Ave Rockford, IL.

Visitation from 5pm until 8pm Wednesday, December 30 in the Funeral Home. Visitation also from 10am until time of service Thursday in the funeral home. For online condolences go to; www.fitzgeraldfh.com.