Robert L. Watson

Due to the present conditions with the COVID-19 Pandemic, the family request that anyone attending the visitation or funeral services to please practice social distancing and wear facial masks. 

Robert L. (Bob) Watson, age 93, of Princeton, KY, formerly of Springfield, TN, passed away on February 4, 2021, at St. Paul’s Life Community, South Bend, Indiana, where he resided during his last three years.

Bob was born November 20, 1927 in Springfield, TN to the late Walter Wade and Clara Ella Leftrick Watson. He learned at an early age the value of an honest day’s labor while working on his parents’ farm and the local lumber company. Along the way he developed skills in mechanics and carpentry.                                                       

A veteran of our Armed Forces, Bob served in the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic in World War II, and also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After the wars, Bob moved north in the early 50’s to the Detroit area where he worked commercial construction and then as a carpenter at Ford Motor Company. He also built several homes in the area while working full-time at Ford.  He was an excellent wood worker and many times crafted his own cabinets and furniture. Later, Bob moved to Princeton, KY where he continued to remodel and build houses while selling and installing overhead doors, and was the Western KY Distributor for Gyro Tech Automatic Doors. In his later years, Bob and his wife, Ruth Ann, built their work of art – a beautiful cabin at a horse-riding community in Jamestown, TN. Bob and Ruth Ann also spent many years wintering in Arizona where they cultivated numerous lifelong friendships.

After spending time in Jamestown, Bob and Ruth Ann returned to Princeton. They were members of Donaldson Missionary Baptist Church and were devout Christians. They were also members of the local chapter of Woodmen of the World.

Through all of Bob’s endeavors, he was an avid Horseman and always found time for horses. He was happiest when in the saddle. Bob owned, bred, trained, shoed and rode. He participated in numerous “Trail Rides”, including 25 times at the Cross-Country Trail Ride in Eminence, MO. At the age of 72, he was the oldest Horseman to complete the “240-mile Shore to Shore (Lake Huron to Lake Michigan) Trail Ride”, (one way and back again). He and his wife Ruth Ann frequently camped and rode at Wranglers Camp at Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky.

Bob’s family would like to thank all of the very special and caregivers at St. Paul’s Life Community, who took such good care of Bob his last three years. Their love and compassion was particularly important during these trying times of COVID.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife: Ruth Ann Smith Watson, his brothers: Howard “Buck” and Edgar “Eddie” Watson. Bob is survived by his son and daughter-in-law: Robert A. and Karen J. Koszyk Watson of South Bend, IN, his step-daughter: Stacy Boone and husband Jeff of Princeton, Ky, his sisters: Georgia Bryant of Madison, TN, and Shirley Holt and husband Kirby of Marietta, GA, his step grandchildren: Justin Boone and Jordan Boone Talley, his step great grandchildren: Boone, Jo Talley and George, and many nieces and nephews.

Dad, we hope you’re riding on the wind, a top your favorite horse. You were our loving cowboy and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday February 13th in the Oakhurst Chapel of the Robertson County Funeral Home in Springfield, TN, with Jeff Boone and Rick Morgan officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. before the funeral. Online condolences can be made at www.robertsoncountyfuneralhome.com.

Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert L. Watson, please visit our floral store.