Norvell Watson was born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 1, 1955. He was a very inquisitive and gifted child and showed an interest in science and music at an early age. As a child, he participated in the Boy Scouts where he received several honors for his participation.
He was also an avid collector of stamps, coins and comic books-a passion he carried into adulthood. Norvell was a talented musician and a proud participant and alumni of the Lancers Drum and Bugle Corp Marching Band. He taught himself how to play the drums, French horn, saxophone, trumpet and flute, and loved all kinds of music-especially jazz.
After graduating with honors from Charles Sumner High School in 1973, he briefly attended Missouri State University before moving to San Diego, California where he found his calling in the United States Army and California National Guard. Norvell began his service to his country on February 3, 1981 as a Healthcare Specialist and Medic and achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class. He received the following medals and commendations during his time in the military: Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, CA Commendation Medal, CA Good Conduct Medal, CA Service Medal, CA Enlisted Excellence Medal, CA Counterdrug Service Medal, CA Drill Attendance Ribbon, and the Louisiana Emergency Service Ribbon.
He was honorably discharged on February 2, 2013 after thirty-one years, nine months and eleven days of service. He often called his decision to join the military the best decision he ever made, and thoroughly enjoyed his time serving. Norvell was a hard-working, strong-spirited man who enjoyed life, loved Legos and Pepsi, and loved his family.
He lived his life on his own terms and maintained a fighting spirit until he was called to rest on December 4, 2018. His wife, Cora, and children: Derek, Devan, Marc, Corybeth, Marybeth, and extended family will miss him terribly, but will celebrate Norvell’s life and continue his legacy. Norvell is survived by his Wife, Cora; children: Derek (Elizabeth Watson), Devan (Trelane Hicks), Marc, Corybeth (Tony Gonzales), and Marybeth; grandchildren: Dominick, Evelyn, Emilia, T’ai, Tanner, Minalee, Mayeli, Bastien, and Emery; parents: Pastor John and Addie Watson; siblings: Janice Brown (Malcom), Clara Liggins, Dana Richardson, Pastor John Watson Jr. (Jackie), Bernard Watson (Cynthia), Hosanna Watson (Richard), Marietta Jessup, Annette Watson-Johnson (Reginald), Pastor Demetrius Watson (Karen), Donnell Watson, and a multitude of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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