Harlan Curtis Watson
November 11, 2015
Harlan Curtis Watson, 83, passed away peacefully at Bright Kavanagh Hospice on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2015. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2015 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 23 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Presbyterian Church, 6426 Merle Hay Road in Johnston, IA.
Harlan was born December 8, 1931 in Rodman, IA, the youngest of four children, to Dawn (Barber) and John Watson. He graduated from West Bend Consolidated High School in 1950 and attended Buena Vista College, where he was named one of the Who’s Who Among Students of American Universities and Colleges before joining the Navy as a photographer from 1951-54. Harlan earned his BA from Buena Vista in 1957, followed by his Master’s in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Iowa in 1959. He worked for the Iowa Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in Waterloo and Des Moines for 35 years before retiring in 1993.
Harlan’s friends and family greatly enjoyed his quick wit and sarcasm, which he has grievously passed onto his three surviving children (much to Lois’ dismay). An active member of St. Paul Presbyterian Church, Harlan was also a lifelong golfer, singer, dog-lover, blood donator, and volunteer. He recorded 124 books on tape for the Iowa Department of the Blind, and received the Governor’s Service Award in 1999. He was honored with the Elizabeth Perowsky Memorial Award from the Department of the Blind in 2008 for extraordinary service and dedication.
Harlan’s family is glad to see him reunited with his eldest son, Jay, as well as his parents, siblings and beloved dog, Peppy/The Chick Magnet. His memory and legacy of love, faith, service, and humor is cherished by his wife of 63 years, Lois, as well as his children, Dawn Watson, Sheri (Joe) Veraldi, and Curtis Watson, and his grandchildren, Anna Lehocz, Veronica and Valerie Veraldi, Nathan and Sydney Watson, along with a host of countless family and friends. His family is also eager to find out who will take his place as the reigning King of Balderdash...
Harlan’s family would like to give special thanks to the generous and caring staff at John Stoddard Cancer Center and HCI Bright Kavanaugh Hospice for their wonderful support and treatment. Love and blessings to the nurses, doctors, and aides who cared for, cried with, and laughed with Harlan and his family during this past year. God bless you.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church Building Fund, or donate blood in Harlan’s honor. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Pam VandeBerg Chester
12/27/2015
Lois, I am sorry to hear of Harlan's death and we are wrapping your family in caring prayers. Thank you for including Dad's recording in the Celebration of Life service. He would be so honored to know that he was there for his good friend. You can be proud that Harlan's was a life well lived.
Pat Van Lent
11/22/2015
Lois and family,
I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Harlan but certainly wish you many wonderful memories of the time shared with him. My sympathy to you all.
Richard (Dick) Helverson
11/20/2015
Sorry for your loss Lois, and family, he will be missed. Harlan was my friend and golfing buddy for many years.
Carolyn Lipscomb
11/19/2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I left VR in 1973, however I still have a lot of fond memories. Mr. Watson was a very kind and generous man with a great sense of humor.
I seem to remember he was the go to guy for Claxton Fruit Cakes for one of his organizations. He's the kind of person you could never forget. He touched a lot of lives over the years.
Sandy Ashley
11/16/2015
I am so sorry to learn of Harlan's passing. I was a VR counselor in the CR and knew him from those exchanges. I really liked Harlan, his sense of humor and kindness during those years. He was my favorite amongst those from DSM.
Jack & Brenda Truelsen
11/15/2015
Dear Lois and Family - we are so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed Harlan's infectious humor. He could light up a room. Love - Jack and Brenda Truelsen