Mr. George H. Watson Jr.

George Hopewell Watson was the baby of nine children. George was born to Myrtle Robinson and George Watson in Kansas City, Kansas, on February 6, 1940. He was a spirited and determined soul, entering the world during a time when the country was coming out of the Great Depression. With deep roots in Little Rock, Arkansas, George was a man of resilience, ambition, and timeless style. A country boy with a city swing, he had a taste for the finer things in life cars, clothes, and good company and he worked relentlessly to achieve them. Raised by his paternal grandmother, a dedicated schoolteacher in Arkansas, George learned the value of education early on. Though life’s journey did not initially allow him to complete his high school education, his thirst for knowledge never wavered. He was always reading, writing, journaling, and even sketching constantly expanding his mind and sharpening his intellect. Despite having a speech impediment, he valued words immensely, often sharing memorable sayings like, “Your kindness will be obliterated” and “Doing the best I can.” At just sixteen, George enlisted in the U.S. Navy, embarking on a six-year journey that took him across continents and over vast oceans. His time in the military broadened his perspective and instilled in him a sense of discipline that would shape his future. After his service, he pursued a career that reflected his natural intelligence and mechanical aptitude. Beginning as a welder, he found his true calling in electrical engineering, eventually becoming an Electrical Motor Technician in the industrial industry. His career at Westinghouse, later Siemens Westinghouse, spanned 33 years until his well-earned retirement in 2005. Not one to rest on his laurels, George furthered his education, obtaining an associate’s degree and an HVAC certification, proving that learning has no age limit. George’s life was rich with love. He married Frances Jones, and together they welcomed Georgelynn, Rita, and Gwendolyn. He also lovingly embraced his stepson, Riceol. Later, he was blessed with another daughter, Gwendolon Smith. In 1982, fate brought him the love of his life, Marilyn Doss. From the moment he laid eyes on her, he declared she was the prettiest woman he had ever seen. Their love story blossomed, and in 1984, they married in St. Louis, Missouri, blending their lives and hearts as one. George took great pride in raising their daughter, Marilyn Ashley Doss, as his own, shaping her with his wisdom and strength. Beyond his career and family, George was a man of many passions. He loved blues and jazz, followed sports avidly, and never shied away from a lively debate especially when it came to the Kansas City Chiefs. While introverted by nature, his quiet demeanor belied a sharp wit and a warm smile that, when shared, left a lasting impression. He enjoyed playing cards and dominoes, bowling in leagues, and even taught himself how to type, reaching an impressive 120 words per minute with accuracy using Mavis Beacon’s typing course. George believed in working hard until he could work smart. He was a man of unwavering discipline, capable of making up his mind and following through with sheer determination. His life was a testament to resilience, self-improvement, and independence. He was strong-willed and opinionated, yet deeply loving and protective of those he held dear. Though he had his share of struggles and challenges, George lived life on his own terms. He drove the cars he wanted to drive, ate the food he loved, and surrounded himself with people of quality and ambition. His words of wisdom were often blunt but always rooted in experience and love. He was known to say, “That’s life, and life goes on,” not as a dismissal, but as a lesson in perseverance. As he transitioned peacefully at home, George left behind a legacy of strength, intelligence, and an unbreakable will. He was, and always will be, affectionately remembered as “Uncle G” a man of pride, principle, and an undeniable presence. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Robert (DeeDee); Wilbur (Stump); Harold; Evelyn; Theradene; Hazel; and Loretta (Maudel); his daughters, Gwendolon; Georgelynn; and Rita; his grandson, Timothy; and great-granddaughter, Jamiah. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Marilyn of the home; his daughters, Gwendolon Watson of Little Rock, Arkansas; Marilyn Ashley Perry (De’Mont) of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Chantell of Kansas City, MO; Jack; Jasmine; Marcus; Titus (Tanisha); and Braylon all of Little Rock, Arkansas; great-grandchildren, his only living sister, Myrtle West of Kansas City, MO; in-laws of St. Louis, MO; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends. Rest well, George Hopewell Watson Jr. Your journey here may have ended, but your impact and spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved you. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday April 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Jamison Temple CME Church 3115 East Linwood Blvd. KCMO 64128. Private Disposition. Visitation: 10-11:00 a.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com

Mr. George H. Watson Jr.

February 6, 1940 - March 26, 2025