Watson service scheduled for Saturday (2/4)

Services for former Texas House Member Ed Watson will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. Cemetery grounds will be briefly closed to the public for the funeral. The following is a brief biographical sketch from Texas Archival Resources Online:

Ed R. Watson was born July 20, 1920, in Wallisville, Texas, to Raymond and Ella Watson. He graduated from Anahuac High School in Anahuac, Texas, and briefly attended San Jacinto College and the University of Houston. On May 7, 1948, he married Susan Geraldine (Jerry) Eaves with whom he had four children and one foster child.

In 1947, Ed Watson went to work for Shell Oil as an oil field operator, staying until his retirement in 1984. During this period, he was a member of the Oil Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, Local 3-467, serving as both Vice-President and President. Mr. Watson also served as a member of the Executive Board of the Harris County Chapter of the AFL-CIO.

Ed Watson served in the US Navy during World War II (1942-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1951). For his service, he received the European Theater Medal with 2 stars, the Asian Theater Medal with 2 stars, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Mr. Watson was a Texas Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1968, and served as a member of the Democratic Caucus. He began his career as a public official in 1972, when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives for District 17. His tenure as a Representative lasted through eight two-year terms. During this time he served on the House Labor Committee, Committee on Environmental Affairs (14 years), Committee on Employment Practices (10 years), and the Liquor Regulation Committee (6 years). Ed was a "man of the people" and did not hesitate to let his constituents know when he disagreed with them.

In addition to his political duties, Ed Watson serves many civic and charitable functions as well. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Eagles, and Lions. He was Finance Chair for an alcohol and drug rehabilitation center, worked with Interfaith Helping Hands Food Bank, and was a Volunteer Fireman for fourteen years.

After his defeat for Representative in 1988, he served as a liaison for State Senator Chet Brooks. He currently resides in Houston and is serving as a liaison for Congressman Ken Bentsen.