Retired BJ truck driver Leonard Watson dies

Leonard O. Watson, 89, of Akron, Ohio, will be remembered for more than 30 years of volunteer service in the community and church. He donated hundreds of hours to Good Neighbors, Ronald MacDonald House, and Oak Hill Presbyterian Church. Watson worked at The Akron Beacon Journal for 30 years before retiring in 1980. Probably the most defining experience of his life was World War II where he served in the tank division of the 751st Battalion.

Watson is survived by his daughter, Meredyth W. Corbett of Honolulu, Hawaii. Other family members include son-in-law, Lawrence W. Corbett of Honolulu; daughter-in-law, Patricia Watson of Toledo; grandchildren, Patrick O. Watson and his wife, Jennifer, of Columbus, Brandon M. Watson of Inglas, Fla., and Matthew H. Corbett and his wife, Karis, of Goshen, Ind.; and Courtney B. Corbett of Phoenix, Ariz. He shared his life with great-grandchildren, Jenica M. Corbett, Joseph M. Corbett, Winston E. Corbett, Miles O. Watson, Maria J. Corbett, Trevor K. Watson, and Nathan H. Corbett. Preceding him in death was his wife, Frances B. Watson; daughter, Margaret L. Watson; and son, Daniel O. Watson.

There will be a graveside service Friday, September 7, at 10 a.m. at Hillside Memorial Park, 1025 Canton Rd., Akron. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 281. Visitation with the family will follow at the Oak Room at Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, 2406 Ardwell Ave., Akron, OH 44312. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Oak Hill Presbyterian Church.

[The Beacon Journal,, Akron, OH, Thursday, September 6, 2007, page B7, col. 5 ]