Brian D. Watson

Lt. Col. Brian Watson (USAF Ret) aka “The Colonel”, 76, passed away on January 31, 2017 after a 4-year battle with cancer.  The Colonel was born in Detroit, MI.  He was a 3-sport athlete at Brighton High School, received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of Nebraska and a Master’s in Public Administration from Golden Gate University.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1963 and spent 23 years on active duty.  During this time, he accomplished many milestones including:  flew 4,800 hours in a C-130 Hercules (1,280 combat ready); decorated 43 times including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross & the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry medals; worked as a liaison in the Office of the Vice Chief of Staff at the Pentagon; and worked at Space Command/NORAD in Colorado Springs, CO.

After retirement, he opened and commanded the OH-861 Air Force Junior ROTC Unit at Portage Lakes Career Center.  During 19 years as a teacher and leader in the community, more than 2,100 students were in JR ROTC, some received college scholarships and/or joined a branch of the U.S. military.  The Colonel and Jeanette resided in Green, Ohio after retirement.  They enjoyed travelling together (anywhere there was a golf course!), visiting family/friends and relaxing at their home.

The Colonel is survived by his wife, of 49 years, Jeanette; children, Leslie (Randy Nygaard) Watson, Michelle (Mike) Noel, Craig (Liz) Watson; grandchildren, Joshua, Philip, Alexa and Kyle; brother, Rick (Denise) Watson; sister, Lois Tobias; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 7 P.M. on Monday, February 6, 2017 at Schermesser Funeral Home, 600 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Rd. (SR619), Akron, Ohio 44319 with Pastor Darryl Moulder officiating.  Family and friends may call on Monday from 4 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.  Interment will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery later. The Colonel is ADAMANT that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Fisher House, 111 Rockville Pike #420, Rockville, MD 20850 or by going to www.fisherhouse.org          (Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where military families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment) or to the American Cancer Society, 3500 Embassy Parkway STE 150, Akron, Ohio 44333.  To leave a special message online for the family, visit our website at www.schermesserfh.com.

SCHERMESSER

(330) 899-9107