Charles “Chuck” James Watson, 85, of Traverse City, formerly of Cass City and Birmingham, Michigan passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Samaritas Senior Living. Chuck was born on August 24, 1933 in Caro, Michigan to the late Vern and Eva (Huffman) Watson. He married the love of his life Carol Howarth on June 23, 1956 in Cass City, Michigan.
Chuck proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, where his interest in electrical engineering began. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering from Michigan State University in 1961. Over the course of his career, Chuck had been employed with Westinghouse, Boeing, and finally Ford Motor Company where he retired after 26 years of employment.
While with Boeing he was the electrical engineer to sign off on the original 737 aircraft. At Ford, Chuck led the development of the cruise control system in the HeavyTruck division. He was a member of the U.S. Sail and Power Squadron and the Northern Michigan Ford retirees.
He loved to travel, taking countless camping trips with his family, being out in nature enjoying wildlife and playing golf with family and friends. He was a proud supporter of MSU. He encouraged and generously helped support his children’s and grandchildren’s education.
Above all, spending time with family and friends was his greatest joy. He was a kind and loving man and will be missed. Chuck is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Carol, two daughters and a son; Wendy (Eric Otting) Watson, Rebecca (Alan Morris) Watson and Daniel (Victoria) Watson.
Also surviving are seven grandchildren; Grace and Clare Otting, Morgan and Aidan Watson-Morris, Clark “Jonah”, Elijah, and Mkenna Watson, and a sister, Charlotte Sangster as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters; Bill Watson, Robert Watson, Shirley Lynch and Nancy Naren. Friends are welcome to visit with Chuck’s family on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684.
A funeral service honoring Charles will take place at 3:00 p.m. in Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Pastor Dale Ostema will officiate. Burial will follow at Yuba Cemetery.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the American Diabetes Association – West Michigan, 1550 E. Beltline AV. SE, Suite 250, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Chuck’s family at his tribute page at www.
reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
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