Harlan Curtis Watson

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.

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