Roy Richard Watson, Wasola, MO, was called to his heavenly home January 9, 2011 at the age of 82. He was born April 8, 1928 at Romance, MO to Oscar and Beulah (Rogers) Watson. On September 6, 1950, Roy and Elaine Oxley were united in marriage, and from this union they raised six children at their home in Romance.

Roy had many interests over the years including hunting, fishing, horsemanship, and his very favorites auctions and trading. He was quick to give you a smile and let his pretty blue eyes sparkle when it came to making deals. What others might see as junk he could reassure you were another man's treasure. He took delight in the old and made it his business to be able to tell you what something was worth.

Roy also loved farming and all animals. Over the years he had cows, goats, mules, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and his favorite horses. He had a great knowledge of all creatures and had the reputation of being the local country vet. He loved to give advice on how to care for animals. He was proud of the fact that his love for animals rubbed off on his family. Once, when the comment was made that his granddaughter Tina sure had a lot of pets he smiled and said, "I wonder where she gets that from".

Roy also loved people and visiting. Friends and family were everything to him. He seemed to know everyone, and if he didn't know you he tried to get to know you. He loved being one of the oldest residents of Romance where he could act as historian for those who stopped by with history or genealogy questions. If he didn't have an answer he would work and call around until he could get you an answer.

Roy was proud of the fact that he had lived his life out at Romance surrounded by family. He cherished get- togethers with his children and grandchildren, and always looked forward to visits with his brothers and sisters. He was quoted in later years as saying life goes by too fast, and he was right. Roy's time with us went by way too fast for those of us who adored and loved him, but it was lived to the fullest and now he is living an everlasting life with his heavenly father.

Roy is survived by his two children Nina McCullough and husband Russell of Romance, MO and Dennis Watson and wife Wilma also of Romance, MO; his three stepchildren Don Egger and wife Belva of Nottinghill, MO, Danny Egger and wife Vivian of Derby, KS, and Reva Thomas and husband Alvin of Romance, MO; one brother Calvin Watson of Romance, MO; sister Nellie Termin of Springfield, MO; along with many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Beulah Watson; his wife Elaine; step daughter Evelyn Beasley; one brother Chester Watson; and his two sisters Vernie Eslinger and Mae Long. He was also preceded in death by one step grandchild Steve Beasley and a step great-grandchild Amanda Thomas.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 14, 2011 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO. Burial will be in the Jackson Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday morning from 10 a.m. to service time at the funeral home.