John Watson

John R. Watson, 94, of Shawnee, KS, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 at the Kansas City Hospice House.

John was born May 11, 1930 in Kansas City, MO. The family moved to the Shawnee area in 1941. John served in the Army as radar technician in Okinawa, Japan. After returning from Japan, John married Lela Hallisey on June 20, 1959. John worked as an Estimator for forty-five years. One of his career highlights was estimating the amount and cost of steel required to build the Kaufmann Performing Arts Center. Following his retirement in 2005, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He was active in the St. Joseph parish community, Knights of Columbus Council #2332, Serra Club and Johnson County Regional School Commission.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Violet Watson. John is survived by his wife Lela, children Don (Colleen) Watson, Mary (Jim) Caswell, Theresa (David) Tritt and Joyce (Jack) Rutherford, twelve grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. John is also survived by siblings Patricia Nolan, Bill (Pat) Watson, Jim (Janet) Watson and Bob (Marilyn) Watson.

The funeral liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 25th, at St, Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS. A rosary will precede the liturgy at 9:30 a.m. with a visitation at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery following the mass. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph School or St. Joseph Church.