Gail Robert Watson

Gail Robert "Bob" Watson, 85, of Sedalia, passed away on June 27, 2026, at Unity Point Health Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was born on September 22, 1940, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Gail E. Watson and Helen Viola Finley Watson, who preceded him in death.

On August 23, 1959, in Onawa, Iowa, he was united in marriage to Marjorie E. Block, who resides in the home.

In addition to his wife, Marjorie, Bob is survived by five children, William Robert Watson (Bren) of Coleville, Iowa, Tracy Jo Aldrich of Sedalia, Scott Paul Watson (Christi) of Sedalia, Denise Ann Ross (Mike Schilb) of Otterville, and Christopher Michael Watson (Shanda) of Cole Camp; fourteen grandchildren, Heather Hoehne, Ben Knox, Andrew Watson, Nathan Hawkins, Brittany Kolkmeier, Victoria Watson-Nguyen, Ian Ross, Sam Watson, Erica Aldrich, Jason Ross, Alexander Watson, Anthony Watson, Trendon Watson, and Olivia Watson; and fifteen great-grandchildren, Jackson Hawkins, Kaytlynn Reiger, Jacob McGinnis, Leon Nguyen, Raylynn Lee, Frankie Hawkins, Rhetten Hawkins, Jacob Roberts, Elsie Thurman, Lilly Thurman, Bristin McGinnis, Annie Ross, Molly Ross, Sadie Knox, and Isaiah Knox.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Kelly Jean Hawkins; two sisters, Lois Watson and Louise Streeter; son-in-law, Dan Aldrich, and a grandson-in-law, Andrew Hoehne.

Bob was a proud graduate of Sloan High School, Class of 1958. He enlisted in the Air National Guard in Sioux City, Iowa, and served his country honorably from 1957 to 1963.

Bob was a hardworking and talented man with many skills. Throughout his life, he worked as a meat cutter and butcher for several grocery store chains. He also took on many side jobs, including owning a motel for a short time. Bob was also a licensed funeral director and worked at McLaughlin Funeral Home. Bob had a natural gift for handyman work and could build or repair just about anything. He was meticulous in everything he did and took great pride in a job well done. Long before "flipping houses" became popular, Bob and Marge enjoyed buying, improving, and selling homes together. He later started his own home repair business, Bob Watson Home Repair, where he completed small jobs, decks, and home additions.

After his retirement, Marge encouraged him to find a volunteer opportunity, and Bob began volunteering at Lost Valley Hatchery in Warsaw, where he taught children how to fish and helped maintain their fishing poles.

Bob and Marge enjoyed traveling across the country together and going on cruises. Above all, Bob loved spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed playing board games, with Aggravation being a family favorite.

Bob was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was ordained as a Deacon in 1988. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He especially enjoyed serving Communion during church services and leading Communion services at local nursing homes. Bob also served on a three-week mission trip to Peru with the Jefferson City Diocese and served as the liaison to the Bishop for the Charismatic Renewal for the Jefferson City Diocese.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, at St. Patrick Chapel, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Sedalia, with Father Joe Corel officiating.

Prayers of the Rosary will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Rea Funeral Chapel, led by Father Joe Corel.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Rea Funeral Chapel.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Sedalia.

Honorary bearers will be all of Bob's grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial contributions may be made to Loving Hearts or Mercy Services United, in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.