Robert Watson

Robert Dennis Watson May 31, 1949 - July 3, 2020

On July 3 Dennis passed away in Ridgecrest, California at the age of 71 Dennis was born on May 31, 1949 in Mountain View, WY and was raised on the family ranch south of Fort Bridger.

He attended schools in Mountain View, WY graduating in 1967. He then attended the University of Wyoming and participated in ROTC and upon graduation was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the USAF and attended flight school after which he served as a weapons officer and navigator flying F4’s and F16 fighter jets. His call sign was always “Cowboy” and all his friends call him that also.

After the Air Force he flew for the California Air National Guard where he retired in 1992 with the rank of Lt. Colonel. After his retirement he remained in California working for various defense contractors. He lived in California until his death. He acquired a wonderful California family that was from the Catholic Church he was active with from the China Lake Naval Air station and Air National Guard. His hobbies included archeology and astronomy

He was preceded in death by his maternal and fraternal grandparents, father John Delaware Watson and mother Ida A “Stevens” Watson. A brother James Michael Watson He is survived by his brother John Daniel (Pat) Watson, sister-in-law Terry Watson, four nephews, one niece, and sixteen grand nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 10:00 AM for the family at St. Helens Catholic Church followed at 11:00 AM by a public graveside service at the Fort Bridger Cemetery with full military honors.