Rex Jay Watson

Rex Jay Watson, age 55 of La Grande, died Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at a local care center. Family and friends are invited to a gathering on Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. at the American Legion in La Grande.

Rex Jay Watson was born on February 21, 1951, the son of Finley James and Wilma (Edmiston) Watson in Dayton, Ohio. Rex attended schools in Dayton. Later he enlisted in the United States Army where he was proud to serve his country in the 82nd airborne Special Forces ranger division during the Vietnam era. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Dayton for a time before moving to Laramie, Wyoming before finally settling in La Grande. On January 21, 1978 he married Sharon Ann Redden. Together the couple not only raised their own children but many other children over the years. Rex received a bachelor's degree of fine arts from Washington State University in 1992 and became an accomplished artist in oil painting and was known as an expert in the art of flint napping. He volunteered his gift of art to children every year at the Cove Cherry Festival and Arts For All. He also enjoyed fishing, the outdoors and had a great sense of humor, wisdom and creativity. He will be missed.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Watson of La Grande; his mother, Wilma Ohler of Kettering, Ohio; children, Kiley Watson of Eugene, Oregon, KB Watson, Ben Waln and Dan Waln all of La Grande, Oregon; brother Kenneth Ullery, sisters, Iris Hicks and Joyce Barger all of Ohio; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Finley James Watson.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Rex Watson to the GRH Hospice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.