Wayne Watson, 88

Wayne “Doc” Watson, 88, passed away while surrounded by his family on  Aug. 20, 2017, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Private interment preceded his memorial service on Aug. 22 at Brandon Lutheran Church. 

Wayne J. “Doc” Watson was born to Wayne S. and Jenny (Slykhuis) Watson on March 21, 1929, in Brookings County, S.D. Soon after, the family moved to Sioux Falls, where Wayne lived until his mother died when he was 10. Wayne then moved to Brandon to live with his sister and brother-in-law, Blanche and Louie Hoyt.

Following graduation from Brandon High School in 1948, he entered the U.S. Army. He served during the Korean Conflict and was stationed for a short time in Japan. After his honorable discharge, Wayne returned to Brandon. He was employed by John Morrell & Company for 37 years.

Wayne was united in marriage with Ramona Ode on May 30, 1954 in Brandon. The couple has lived in Brandon since then.

Survivors include his wife, Ramona; three children, Paul Watson, Omaha, Neb.; Mary (Dan Rath) Watson, Canton, Barbara (Mitch) Kjose, Sioux Falls; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and a brother, Don (Vickie) Watson, St. George, Utah. 

Memorials are preferred to Brandon Lutheran Church, the Wayne Watson Memorial Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice.