Michael Ray Watson, 73, of McGregor, passed away Sunday, January 30, 2022.
Visitation: 1 PM Tuesday, February 2, 2022 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel.
Services: 2 PM Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by his son-in-law, Patrick Chaney. Burial will follow with military honors at McGregor Cemetery.
Mike was born in McGregor to Horace G. and Dorothy Nix Watson. Mike was fun-loving, had an incredible sense of humor, and never forgot a joke. He often made others laugh with his quick wit and engaging life stories.
In June 1969, he met the love of his life Jackie Byrd on a blind date set up by his brother, Dewey. Mike and Jackie were married on September 18, 1971. The two enjoyed a long life together full of adventures, laughter, and love. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family in Fredericksburg.
His legacy includes a long career as a public servant. He bravely served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He served alongside his brother, Dewey on the USS Preble, a Farragut-class guided missile destroyer. The last ship Mike served on was the USS Somers DDG-34. Mike received several medals of Honor while serving his country. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expeditionary Bronze Medal, and the Bronze Star Vietnam Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in the summer of 1969.
After serving in the military, Mike returned to his hometown of McGregor, working as a Surveyor. In 1970 he began his career as a police officer for the communities of McGregor and Woodway, after which he worked for a brief time in logistics for Central Freight Lines and then returned to public service as a police officer for Baylor University. During his 25 years with the Baylor Police Department, he held various positions, including Sergeant, Lieutenant, and ultimately, Police Captain. Mike retired from Baylor University in 2005.
Mike had a great love for music and enjoyed playing his guitar with his son and grandsons while his daughters sang along. He was part of the praise and worship team at Emmanuel Christian Fellowship in McGregor for many years.
Mike also enjoyed fishing and camping adventures. Some of his fondest memories were the camping trips he took canoeing from Lake Whitney down the Brazos River to Lake Waco with his brothers, Dewey and John, and once with his son, Michael.
In his later days, Mike enjoyed spending time on his front porch with Jackie and their beloved rescue dog, Charlie. Spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren brought him the greatest joy and fulfillment. Mike knew and cherished the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The entire family looks forward to the blessed reunion for all that believe in Christ Jesus and awaits us one day in Heaven. Hebrews 12:1
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Horace G. Watson and Dorothy Nix Watson; son-in-law, Dan McClaren; grandson, Caleb McClaren; parents-in-law, Jack and Wanda Byrd; sister-in-law, Donna Hall; and brother-in-law, Johnny Bradshaw.
Mike is survived by his wife, Jackie; daughter, Kristy McClaren; son, Michael Watson and wife Christy; daughter, Lindsay Chaney and husband Patrick; grandchildren, Tyler McClaren and wife Kaitlyn, Colby McClaren and Cassidy Adamick, Taylor Chaney, Elijah Chaney, Everett Watson, Emily Watson, Jack Watson, Samantha Taylor, Christopher Taylor, Johnathan Taylor, and Timothy Taylor; brother, Dewey Watson and wife Glenda; brother, John Watson and wife Sherri; sister, Donna Bradshaw; brother, Skipper Hale and wife Tandra; sister-in-law, Sherri Collins and husband Charles; and brother-in-law, John Hall; and many nephews and nieces, and a host of friends.
Pallbearers are Tyler McClaren, Colby McClaren, Everett Watson, Jack Watson, Elijah Chaney, Justin Collins, and Cody Hall.
Mike had a big heart for suffering children. He and Jackie gave monthly to St. Jude. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Research Hospital.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Loss of a loved one is never easy. Sometimes only words of comfort can ease the grief we feel. Still we have to keep in mind losing them is only temporary. Although the time until we are reunited feels like an eternity, I pray you find comfort knowing Michael is with our LORD. My prayer is for your peace and understanding during this difficult time. You are in my most heartfelt prayers, and I am sorry for your loss!
So sorry to hear this tragic news.
Bob McGregor
Hillsboro, Tx
WHS ’71
There’s that smile, the smile that could light up a room! One of my favorite memories of you Mike is that smile, a hug and a sweet “hello Debbie Jo.” I thank you for those words as they were always heartfelt and well received. Thank you for your military service and your service as one of the finest men in blue when you were a police officer. You were truly a delight no matter the situation, you had a way to make it work out okay in my heart, thank you. I do remember the time Donna Kay and I were swimming at Le Chateau Apartments and you so gleefully squirted an entire large bottle of baby oil in our hair, smiling the entire time then laughing knowing that would be virtually impossible for us to get it out of our hair without spending hours washing it over and over.
Prayers for your family as you were truly a daddy to your children, a husband to your wife and a grandfather to your grandchildren in every sense of the word, you were a gentleman. I’ll cherish the memories.
I am so sorry for your lose.
Mike was a good friend, I remember the times we shared drinking coffee and talking about the day.
I will miss those days. Have a happy time in heaven mike.
Jackie & family…I’m so sorry for your loss. Of course we know Mike isn’t really lost, because we know he’s now in Heaven. Praying for the God of peace to comfort y’all and wrap His arms around you. Love & prayers to all.
To the Watson family: I went to Waco High School with Jackie and my heart goes out to her and kids and grandkids. I only met Mike a few times, but I found out quickly that he enjoyed a joke. May God be with all of you.
My heart and prayers go out to the family during this time of great loss. Thankful for the eternal life Mike has through Jesus Christ. Please let us know if you have any needs. 🙏🏻
Jackie, I’m very sorry to hear this. I met Mike just a few times and he seemed very pleasant. I salute him for his Navy service and his being a LEO. Remember the good days and forget the bad ones. The hurt will pass but his memory won’t. God has him now and rejoice in that. We all love you Jackie. May he rest in peace.
Rick and I are so sorry for your loss . Mike had a full beautiful life looking at his obituary. I’m sure he was admired by many people. God was calling on him as he will call on all of us. Rick and I will surely make a donation in Mikes name as we always make donations to St Jude.
May he Rest In Peace. May God grant you comfort as you grieve.
Much love to you Jackie. I always loved Mike. A veteran your loving husband and wonderful father to your beautiful children and of course a wonderful grandpa. You and your family are in my thought and prayers.
My heart is with you all. Mike was a great man, and I enjoyed working with him at Baylor. He was funny, loved God (and it showed) and had a fantastic way about him. He always made me feel important as part of the team, and showed respect to everyone he had contact with. I have a deep respect for Mike! He was a great guy and he will be missed!
Jackie, the photos show a lifetime of love, family, and service. My heart goes out to you as you miss his daily presence. Keep those memories close. Praying for you and your family.
Jackie
What a loving tribute to your sweet husband. It is clear that you had a wonderful life together and raised a beautiful family together. God provides comfort to those who believe that we will once again be joined together and until then you remain in one another’s hearts and with fond memories of times shared. May you always cherish those memories and know that you were loved. With much love and condolences for you and your family,
For me Mike was a treat to visit with. I loved his stories and when he shared his Bible views and faith. He was a very intelligent man. Mike was cool on his guitar, playing and singing the good old tunes! I didn’t know the full history of his military service, very impressive, but not surprised. Thank you Mike and enjoy being in the presence of the Lord.
Jackie and Family,
Prayers that Lord Jesus will comfort you all during this
time of loss for your loved one.
Jackie,
Sending love to you & all your family. Shelby & I have tried to work it out, but we will not be able to make the trip to Waco for Mike’s service. We wish you the warmth of God’s presence & the comfort of His healing.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Watson family. I knew Mike when he was at Baylor PD. He was truly a Christian man, there is no doubt he is in Heaven. May you find peace and comfort from family and friends and always have the cherished memories.
I’m sorry that I never had the privilege to meet Mike, nor his direct Family!! But, I do know Dewey and Glenda Watson very well!! And, could have known many more of his extended Family, if I could have stayed in McGregor longer!! But, things did not work out that way!! Thoughts/Condolences/Prayers to Mike’s Family and friends!! May GOD be with ‘each’ one of you in the days/weeks/months/years to come!! GOD took Mike home for a reason!! And it appears that we have lost another great Man here on Earth!! GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!! Ronny Bredemeyer (Formerly of McGregor 1969-1989)!!
Going to miss you Bro.