John R. Watson, Jr., 60, died in a tragic accident at his home in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri on August 28, 2020. Though this travesty ended his life, it will not be what defines his legacy. He is remembered for his quiet confidence, sharp wit, steady leadership, matchless kindness, and fervent love. His unwavering faith in the Lord guided him through life and gives his family tremendous peace now.

John was born in Kennett, Missouri, on January 25, 1960 to John R. Watson Sr., a proud World War II veteran with a tender heart and quick mind and Mary Lou Watson, a strong-willed mother who cherished family traditions and her little Johnny. His parents preceded him in death. John has two surviving beloved older sisters and lifelong role models, Ramah Langston (Danny), Myra Callahan and several nieces and nephews.

Many Kennett residents remember him as the blonde-haired, blue-eyed, big-eared cart boy at Kennett Country Club, where he learned to play golf and made enduring friendships. He could be found most days at noon sitting in a windowsill at Causbie's Bakery with a carton of chocolate milk and an ice box cookie he bought with his lunch money. On weekends, he would visit his grandparents' restaurant to taste-test their tamales, chat with the customers, and slip moon pies into his pockets when no one was looking.

John's golf talents took him to the University of Missouri, where he excelled as a division one athlete and stellar business student. He graduated in 1983, went to work at Emerson Corporation and attended St. Louis University for graduate school. Later, he worked at the Missouri Department of Economic Development, where he met the love of his life, Julie (Schwartz) Watson of Jefferson City, MO. Julie recalls returning from their first date in 1987 and telling her mother, "I'm going to marry that man one day." As she prophesied, Julie and John said their vows on December 28, 1991. They shared close to 29 beautiful years of marriage and abiding unity.

He attended the University of Missouri School of Law and graduated in 1993. John joined the Missouri attorney general's office immediately thereafter. Though others rarely last more than 18 months, John served as Gov. Jay Nixon's chief-of-staff for nearly 18 years when Nixon was attorney general and governor. John's affection for the state and its people motivated his unfaltering commitment to the job. He served as interim state auditor after the 2015 death of Thomas Schweich and before Nicole Galloway's appointment. Later, he was the executive director of the Missouri State Employees Retirement System and a lawyer in private practice. In a true testament to John's people-over-politics approach, St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann, a Republican, chose John, a Democrat, to serve as St. Charles County Counselor. John spent his final months as a public servant facilitating St. Charles county's emergency response to COVID-19.

John also served on the Board of Directors for Providence Bank and was a Trustee at First Baptist Church of Jefferson City where he attended with his wife and daughters.

His generosity extended far beyond his resume. During the early days of the pandemic, he routinely paid for dollar-menu items with $20 bills so fast food workers had extra cash. Around the holidays, he bought bikes and helmets and hand-delivered them to children whose parents did not have money for presents. When he encountered a person in need, he drove them to a nearby hotel and paid for their room so they could shower and rest while they got back on their feet.

His work was demanding but he was never too busy to give an impromptu golf lesson to a new player, to stop by the florist for a corsage if one of his daughters was dateless for a dance, to take the neighborhood kids to a Cardinal's game, or to cheer in the stands at his nephews' sporting events. Though he was professional at the office, he was a big kid at home. He wore a Cowardly Lion costume to Julie's Wizard of Oz birthday party, on football gamedays he woke up the whole household by chanting "M-I-Z" and blaring the fight song, he never went easy on his daughters when they played Monopoly, and he was often so eager to get to the golf course after work, the lines from his dress socks would still show on his calves as he teed off on the first hole.

Though John's career was remarkable, his greatest pride and achievement in life was his three daughters, Hope (24), Haley (22), and Hanna (20) Watson. His impenetrable ethics, generous heart, and gentle nature are survived in Hope, a third-year law student at Vanderbilt Law School. His brilliant leadership, resolute discipline, and vibrant charisma are survived in Haley, a 2020 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and masters student at King's College in London. His unparalleled intellect, strong will, and vast wisdom are survived in Hanna, a sophomore double-major at the University of Missouri.

John's memorial service will take place on the back patio of Meadow Lake Acres Country Club in New Bloomfield, Missouri on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. A visitation and celebration of his life will follow from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the same location. All who wish to honor John's memory are welcome. Masks and social distancing are required. Those unable to attend the memorial service in-person can participate virtually via livestream from Julie Watson's Facebook page. Flowers may be sent to the office at Meadow Lake Acres Country Club. Memorials may be directed to the Watson Girls Education Fund.