Watson remembered as leader, giver
Deer Park leaders are remembering Ed Watson as a man who put other’s needs in front of his own. Watson died Jan. 30 at the age of 91. He retired from Shell Oil after 38 years and represented Deer Park and surrounding communities as a Texas State Representative.
“I think he represented us well,” said Mayor Wayne Riddle. “Ed was very active and did a lot for our city. He was very involved with the labor movement here and was as driving force for the Wheelhouse. He was just a good guy.”
A staunch Democrat with a sense of humor, Watson was very active in politics at the local, state and national level, said Riddle. Watson’s house on Eighth Street was even known for having a sign that read “Parking for Democrats Only” in his driveway.
Watson was a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1972 to 1988. He represented District 129, which is now held by John Davis and no longer includes Deer Park. While in office, Watson became a living social studies and government lesson, speaking at Deer Park schools about the Texas political process. He served on the Labor Committee, the Natural Resources Committee and others. He was also a delegate to the unsuccessful Texas Constitutional Convention of 1974.
“He was a political machine,” remembered Sharon McLean, former president of the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce. “But he was unassuming and always stood up for the little guy. He worked very hard to make things better for everybody. He and his wife Jerry were such good people.”
She also remembered his compassion for the city’s elderly, as he helped the formation of the Maxwell Center and the city’s meal program for elderly shut-ins.
“The man was part of the foundation of Deer Park,” she said.
McLean said she will always remember Watson as a man who stood behind causes and people he believed in.
“When he supported something or someone it was strong support. He was always making phone calls on behalf of a candidate or an organization. He was always selling raffle tickets for non-profits,” she said.
One of those causes was The Wheelhouse, a Deer Park home for men fighting substance and alcohol abuse.
“We are going to miss him very, very much,” said Ralph Russo, a chairman of the board for The Wheelhouse.
Watson was one of the original founders of the organization and was known for giving the home’s residents honesty and tough love.
“He treated everyone the same. He told you how it was and what you needed to do to make it out of The Wheelhouse. If you didn’t listen to him, you probably weren’t going to make it,” Russo said.
Russo said Watson became his mentor even when Russo didn’t realize Watson was mentoring him.
“I learned a lot from Ed. I didn’t have an addiction, so I didn’t know what these guys were going through, but Ed always knew how to get through to them. We are going to miss him and his leadership a lot. He was the patriarch of The Wheelhouse. Everyone who ever went through The Wheelhouse; everyone who is there now and everyone who will come through there, they may not know him, but they will miss him.
Watson is preceded in death by his wife Susan "Jerry" Watson; daughter Deborah Gore, brothers Ralph and Mitchell Watson; and sisters Mary O'Brian and Myrtle Myzell. He is survived by sons Dan A. Watson and wife Jane, Donald W. Watson and wife Malinda; daughter Faith Crawford; sisters Faye Trant and Elsie Dunman; nine grandchildren David W. Moake, Joseph R. Moake, James E. Crawford & wife Estela, Jason S. Crawford and wife Amanda, Jerod A. Crawford, and wife Kristen, Edward R. "Ted" Watson, Robert A. Watson, Gretchen Blanche and husband Cole, Travis W. Watson.; eleven great grandchildren Heather R. Rivas, Matthew T. Moake, Bryson L. Crawford, Kade A. Crawford, Riley Faith Crawford, Mariano A. Escobedo, Vanessa M. Crawford, Trenton J. Crawford, Trevor A. Crawford, McKenna G. Blanche; One Great-Great Grandson Aaron J. Andres; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Watson will be buried at 1 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Feb. 6, at First Baptist Church of Deer Park, 438 E. 8th St. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church. Family requests memorials be made in Watson's memory to First Baptist Church Benevolent Committee, 438 E. 8th St. Deer Park, TX 77536.