Calvin Watson Obituary

My fondest memories of "Dad" were when he, Millie, Kathleen, and Terry would come to West Virginia, and we would visit his father, Pa, at the old home place. The "home place" was an Appalachian style log cabin located on a totally isolated hillside farm in Lincoln Co. WV. The only communication with the outside world was a radio. Our evening entertainment was to sit on the porch, talk and sometimes tell ghost stories. I will always remember sitting on the porch swing with Dad and falling asleep in perfect peace with the world.

I am very sorry to hear of grandpa's passing. My memories of Calvin are of a sweet old man with a lot of spark. I will always remember him in this way. I still remember his love of trains, and when he would visit us in West Virginia going to the train shows with him. In particular, I remember his caring but blunt way of speaking, he would tell you how it is. One time when he visited we went out to eat. I remember him telling me that I had to stop eating so many hotdogs. He was right!!! I will miss you grandpa.

Dee, (daughter-in-law)

I am not usually at a lost for words but this is hard to write in a book rather than being there. I loved Calvin very much and his passing is very sad to me because of the reality it brings. As long as he was alive it was like still having a father and now that is gone.

I can say I really enjoyed his and Millie’s trips to WV and our trips to Chicago back when we were first married. The first time they came to WV, I knew Calvin loved WV cooking, and I was not good at it, so I tried to make him some cornbread…it was not too good, it fell apart ...but he said, “This is the best cornbread I have ever had”.

I think we had a great relationship right from the first day we met. We liked to argue for fun. The last time I went to Chicago, we were arguing over something and he told me to shut-up and I said no you shut-up…and he said I am going to hit you and I said I will hit you back…and then we both started laughing and went in the kitchen and I made us a sandwich and we sat and talked. That is strange…I just realized the first time I met Calvin he was sitting at that same table waiting for us to get there and had coffee ready for us.

Pa was the only grandfather I have ever known. I will miss him. And I will always have the memories of our trips to Chicago, the back yard and the old train tracks, the family coming over for dinners, and the porch swing (Can we have that thing bronzed?).

My love to all of you back in Chicago. Wish we could be there. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Tracy (granddaughter), Greg and the kids, Calvin "Chase", Dylan and Ella Rose (great grandchildren)

Fred,



Please accept my condolences on the loss of your father.



Sincerely, Karen Cholipski

I am not usually at a lost for words but this is hard to write in a book rather than being there. I loved Calvin very much and his passing is very sad to me because of the reality it brings. As long as he was alive it was like still having a father and now that is gone.

I can say I really enjoyed his and Millie’s trips to WV and our trips to Chicago back when we were first married. The first time they came to WV, I knew Calvin loved WV cooking, and I was not good at it, so I tried to make him some cornbread…it was not too good, it fell apart ...but he said, “This is the best cornbread I have ever had”.

I think we had a great relationship right from the first day we met. We liked to argue for fun. The last time I went to Chicago, we were arguing over something and he told me to shut-up and I said no you shut-up…and he said I am going to hit you and I said I will hit you back…and then we both started laughing and went in the kitchen and I made us a sandwich and we sat and talked. That is strange…I just realized the first time I met Calvin he was sitting at that same table waiting for us to get there and had coffee ready for us.

My condolences to all. I am Sean Watson, son of Gary and Delores Watson in Huntington, WV and grandson of Calvin. I did not know Calvin very well, but I can remember visiting with him a few times as a child. While he was my grandfather, I grew up in West Virginia and was separated from him by great distances most of my life. It is strange to think that there was a man with the same last name as me, the same heritage, and yet I knew so little about him. But some people are able to make an impression without large amounts of interaction. Calvin was one of those people.



On the few occasions I remember talking with him, I remember him as a jolly and kind person. He was always nice to me, and those around me. I’m glad that he had 90+ years to experience this life, far more than some are able to enjoy. From what I know, he lived to his fullest potential. And while I’m sure he had some regrets, as we all do, I’m also sure that he came to the end of his journey with a feeling of completion, contentedness, and happiness. He has left his mark on our history and this planet, at the very least, by his interactions with his numerous descendants and other relatives. I for one, will never forget him. And as one of the many actions I have made over the years to improve the world, which I am only here to do thanks to Calvin, I have made a $25 memorial donation to Amnesty International in his name. An organization working so that every human being may live with the same dignity, that Calvin had. I will honor his memory by continuing to live my life to the fullest, and remembering that every contribution I make, is in part thanks to him.

I will miss my Grandfather, Calvin F Watson SR and will always remember the time I was able to spend with him. I remember him sitting in the front room being so quiet until all the adults left. Then he would play and talk with all us grandchildren. I will never forget the stuff animal named smokey he gave me one xmas. I thank God for his long life and take comfort that he is with Millie and Tim.

Cheryl (husband-Andy)Galvins-Granddaughter .

Jeff, Aubrey & Tatiana-Great grandchildren.

Angel and Jason -Great Grandchildren.

To Fred and all the Family,

My deepest condolences on the passing of your father. He was a great guy to have known.



Warne & Family

Kelby J. Prichard Napier. Niece of the late Calvin F. Watson. Daughter of the late Della Watson Prichard. In sympathy. Although no words of sympathy can ease the loss you bear, Still, may you find some comfort knowing others truely care.

So sorry to hear about Uncle Calvins passing. All of us hear in West Virginia sends our condolences to all the family.

Love all of you.

Betty (Della Watson-Prichard's) daughter.