John Patrick ‘Pat’ Watson

ODESSA — John Patrick “Pat” Watson passed away Wednesday, May 12, 2004, in Odessa, Texas. He was born October 3, 1929, in Rockport, Ind., to Homer and Emma Axton Watson.
Pat’s birth certificate was destroyed in a courthouse fire, leading to a standing argument between his parents as to the actual year of his birth. As he grew older he chose the year that would make him younger.
He attended school in New Harmony, Indiana, right on the Wabash River where his Dad was a riverboat Captain.
He joined the U.S. Army and saw the world. He was sent to Germany, where he learned to speak fluent German. He was also stationed in France. He received many medals and awards while in the army.
Pat came to Odessa in 1956 where he met Mary Helen “Jo” Roberts. They married November 21, 1962, and were married 28 years when she passed away. He married Emelisa Rodriquez on October 4, 1997, who says of him “He is the most wonderful person that I have ever met.”
He worked at Camco as a shop foreman where he made many lasting friendships including Jim Bender and Richard “Dick” Huffman. He retired after over 30 years of employment.
Pat loved American and military history. He was one of the top historians in the nation. Many people, students and scholars alike, came to him for historical information. He had a vast collection of historical items that he enjoyed taking to the schools for history lessons he would give as a special invited guest speaker. He had many stories and loved to tell them to anyone that would listen. The Fort Lancaster museum was a recipient of his generosity as he donated much of his collection to the museum. He walked the Fort grounds finding more treasures such as buttons, nails, shells and arrowheads. All of these were also placed in the museum.
Pat was a past commander of VFW Post 4372 in Odessa. Under his leadership an Honor Guard was established which is still in place today. Also, a record number of new members were inducted into the Post.
Pat had no biological children, but you would never know that any of his “kids” were stepchildren. He had a deep love for all of us. The people that will love and miss him most include wife, Emelisa R. Watson; sons, Jerry Roberts and wife, Faye, of Odessa and Mike Nunez of Odessa; daughters, Janice Roberts of Midwest City, Okla., Anita Nunez of Odessa and Celeste Nunez of Lakeside, Mich.; 13 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Pat was known as Papa to all of the kids surrounding him. Papa had a hand in raising a few of his grandkids, Krystal “K’Lei” McKinley, who he affectionately called Pooker, Jerry “Scooter” Roberts Jr., Monique Espinoza, Nicole Ramiro, Alex Nunez, and Auggie “Junior” Martinez Jr.
Papa loved kids. His eyes would light up when his great-grandkids would come in to see him. Taijia, Kacee, Tristin, Christian, Maisie, Angel, Damien and Kaaliyah brought him much joy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; two sisters, Emmagene Kennedy and Ioloa Watson; and a daughter-in-law, Abdulia Nunez.
The Rev. Terry Pierce of the First Church of Nazarene will officiate at the Military funeral services set for 11 a.m. Saturday, May 15, 2004, at Odessa Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Mike Nunez, Alex Nunez, Dale McKinley, Gilbert Espinoza, Don Ramiro, Jim Bender, Phillip Murray and Joey Wildeman. Honorary Pallbearers are Jerry Roberts, Auggie “Junior” Martinez Jr., Jerry “Scooter” Roberts Jr., Joe Melton, Richard “Dick” Huffman and Barron “Barney” Sarratt.
I Love You Papa. Watch your toothpicks. Kiss Kiss!
Services by Odessa Funeral Home.