Billy Arthur Watson

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Billy Arthur Watson, 77, of Vergennes, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, October 26, 2008 at 2:30 a.m., at home surrounded by his family.

Billy was born November 22, 1930, in St. Joseph, Mo., the son of J.B. and Florence (Duffy) Watson.

He married Barbara Ann Cochran on December 14, 1953 in Harlingen, Texas.

Bill served in the United States Air Force from March of 1951 to March of 1955.

After settling in Elkville, Bill worked for Porter Brothers, Owens Transfer and Consolidated Coal Company. In the late 1960's and early 1970's, Bill and Barbara opened their home to a group of hippies that moved from Chicago. They were also foster parents to babies, toddlers and teen-age girls through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Bill also spent many hours in his wood working shop and mowing his yard.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara of 56 years, three daughters- Debbie Knight and husband Gary of Charleston, West Virginia, Cheryl Russell of Elkville and Katie Ritter and husband Tom of Du Quoin. He is also survived by seven grandchildren- Shane and Chad Eisenhauer and Colt Knight of Charleston, West Virginia, Leo Russell of Du Quoin, Clint Russell of Elkville and Cory Ritter and Casey McDonnough of Du Quoin. Five great grandchildren- Teah Grizzle and Haley Eisenhauer of Charleston, West Virginia, Molly Clark, Maya and Malayna Russell of Du Quoin and Wyatt Ritter of Du Quoin. One brother- Dick Watson of San Antonio, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters- Dorothy (Watson) Akin and Delores (Watson) Lyon.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m., Monday, October 27, at the Elkville Cemetery with Rev. Darryl Williams, Clyde Pierce and Gilbert Stockton officiating.

Those attending the services are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Please omit flowers. The preferred form of remembrance is memorials to Elkville Baptist Church Building Fund, VNA Tip Hospice of Pinckneyville or Du Quoin Dialysis Center and will be accepted at the funeral home.

The Searby Funeral Home of Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.