LeRoy Lyman Watson

LeRoy (Lee) Lyman Watson, 79, of Keokuk, Iowa passed away on January 9th, 2017, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. LeRoy was born in Keokuk, Iowa, on December 5th, 1937, the only child of LeRoy Clark and Marion (Dutcher) Watson. He graduated from Keokuk Sr. High School, Class of 1956, and continued on to receive a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration from the University of Iowa. LeRoy proudly served in the Iowa Army Reserve when it was activated in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis. After his time in the service, he began his career in the financial industry. He worked for 35 years as a stockbroker and retired from Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc. in 2000. LeRoy was married to Mary Ellen Ryan on November 27, 1971; they were married 45 years. LeRoy had an adventurous spirit. He had a private pilot's license, sailed on the Mississippi River, and enjoyed road trips across the country, traveling to all 50 states. He was 'Always a Hawkeye' and attended numerous Iowa Hawkeye sporting events over the years. He enjoyed playing in McNamara's Band, singing in the All Saints Men's Schola, and volunteering for Meals on Wheels. He was an active member of the ...[more]

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munity and served on various community boards including the Keokuk Catholic School Board and the Hoerner YMCA. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, the Keokuk Rotary Club, and Knights of Columbus. LeRoy is survived by his spouse Mary, and his five children; Chuck (Gretchen) Watson of Muskego, WI; Molly Watson of Chicago, IL; Jenny (Mark) Willits of Denver, CO; Peggy (Brendan) Harris of Ewa Beach, HI; Bill (Emily) Watson of Chicago, IL; grandchildren Claire, Emma, and Madeline Watson; Colin, Alaina, and Luke Harris; Lucy and George Willits. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be on Thursday, January 12, 2017 beginning at 3:00 pm at DeJong - Greaves Funeral Home with family meeting friends from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held at All Saints Catholic Church at 10:00 am on Friday, January 13, 2017 with burial to follow at Keokuk's Oakland Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given to the Keokuk Catholic Schools or the donor's choice.