Kenneth E Watson

December 17, 1929 - February 21, 2018

Kenneth E. Watson Boone, Iowa December 17, 1929 ~ February 21, 2018 Kenneth E Watson, age 88, of Boone, Iowa, passed away at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa on February 21, 2018. Kenny Watson was born December 17, 1929 in Ames, Iowa, the son of Elzen and Carrie (Taylor) Watson. After high school, Kenny served in the Korean Conflict as an infantryman in the US Army’s 2nd Infantry Division. After returning from Korea, he married Phyllis Gardner on August 20, 1952. In 1957, Kenny and Phyllis purchased and relocated to a farm outside of Boone, where they enjoyed many years of married life together. Farming was a passion for Kenny but a part-time occupation. His primary occupation was working in the Maintenance Department of the National Animal Disease Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. After working for a year in the Horse Barns at Iowa State University, in 1959 Kenny took a job at the Disease Lab, where he continued for 30 years, finally retiring in 1989. Kenny and Phyllis became avid antique collectors, spending many hours attending auctions or estate sales looking for a bargain or an item to restore. More than the item itself, it was usually the hunt, the success in finding a real bargain, or an unusual item, that was the driving force. Kenny was a quiet, reserved, man devoted to his family, and will be greatly missed. His family includes his wife, Phyllis; children Randy (Fran) Watson, Cherie (John Thede) Watson, Stacy (Julie) Watson, and Lisa (Don) Camp; 7 grandchildren; and 1 great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Ray, Elmer, and Robert Watson; one daughter-in-law, Cynthia Cummings Watson; one sister-in-law, Luella Watson; and his nephew, Bradley Watson. Funeral Services for Kenny will be 10:30 am Monday, February 26, 2018 at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street, Boone, IA. Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be Sunday, February 25, 2018 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street, Boone, IA. Interment will be at Squire Boone Cemetery, Boone, IA. Memorials are suggested to the Boone County Dialysis Foundation. Online condolences may be left at www.schroederfuneral.com. Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home 515-432-4550