Obituary of Leighton Watson

Leighton Guilford Watson , 93, of Morgantown passed away Friday, July 24, 2009 at his home.He was born in Martinsburg, WV, July 22, 1916 a son of the late Wade and Ella Trussell Watson He graduated from WVU in 1938 with an A.B. in Journalism and later received his M.S.J. As an undergraduate, he was editor-in-chief of the Daily Athenaeum, a member of Sigma Chi, social fraternity and Fi Batar Cappar, mock honorary fraternity.After serving as a Lieutenant in the Navy during WWII he returned to work at WVU in the Cooperative Extension Service. On assignment for the U.S. government, he worked in many capacities in Turkey, Nicaragua, Afghanistan, El Salvador and Bangladesh.In the community he belonged to Wesley United Methodist Church and was a member of the official board. He served as president and chairman of Monongalia County United Fund.He retired from the University in 1975. He is a member of the WVU Emeritus Club and was enshrined in the WVU Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Nancy Cunningham Watson. Also surviving are his daughters Joy Lamb and her husband Skip of Lynchburg, VA and Carol Gezon and her husband Bruce of Murrysville, PA, and four grandchildren, Tristan Gezon, Christopher Gezon, Eric Skaar and Kirstin Skaar Fendig and husband Eliot. One brother, John Richard Watson of Lafayette Hill, PA., and two nieces survive him. He was preceded in death by two sisters, four brothers and one niece.Friends are welcome to gather at the Wesley Methodist Church, Monday, July 27 from 1:30-2p.m. Memorial service will be held at the church at 2:00p.m. with Rev. Michael Atkinson officiating. Burial will be held at Lawnwood Cemetery at the convenience of the family.In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Wesley Methodist Church, 503 North High Street, Morgantown, WV 26505 and Morgantown Hospice, P.O. Box 4222, Morgantown, WV 26504.