Obituary of Howard Franklin Watson

Howard Franklin Watson (Frank), 77, of Morgantown/Clarksburg, passed away on December 1, 2021, from congestive heart failure. Frank was born on November 4, 1944, to Herbert James and Edna Grace Watson (Barnes) at his childhood home in Shinnston WV. Frank was a true patriot and wanted to do his part in serving his country, so after graduating high school in 1962, he enlisted in the Army and served in the First Battle Group 7th Calvary Regiment and 1st Calvary Regiment at the rank of SP-4. During his active duty he served in the Military Police in the DMZ in South Korea. Frank married Brenda Joyce Feathers in November 1964 and they had two children, a son, Jeffrey Franklin Watson, and a daughter, Victoria Lynne Watson. He loved his children deeply and worked long hours in the coal mines to provide a good home for his family. After returning home from military duty, Frank started his career in the coal mining industry and over the years worked his way up to a mine safety inspector. Frank worked at a multitude of Consolidation Coal locations, including Mine #98, Williams Mine #95, Robinson Run, and Blacksville #1. During his career he also owned and operated Dodge Fuel Corporation. Frank’s hobbies included reading (he always had a book with him and was a history buff), attending gun shows, fishing, and especially hunting every year with his son at hunting camp. Frank never missed a gathering with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He adored spending time with them when possible and unendingly made it known how much he loved them and how proud he was of them all. He is already, and will always be, so sadly missed by his loved ones. We love you our Dad and Pappy and you will be in our hearts always! Frank was predeceased by his parents, Herbert James and Edna Grace Watson, James Watson (brother), and Kathleen Langston (sister). He is survived by his son Jeff Watson and wife Janine of Morgantown; his daughter Victoria Shuman and husband Robert of Morgantown; six grandchildren, Brittany Cooper and husband Zachary of Morgantown; Nathanial Shuman of Morgantown; Gwyneth Shuman of Morgantown; Angelina Shuman of Morgantown; Julian Watson and wife Ashley of Virginia; Logan Walton and husband Dylan of North Carolina; four great grandchildren, Hudson Cooper; Jayden Walton; Brooks Brown, and Bethany Brown; one brother, Tom Watson and wife Sherrie of Clarksburg; and a sister, Carol McNemar of Ohio; along with many nieces and nephews. Everyone that knew Frank, knew that he was an extremely kind, loving, and gentle person and could hold a conversation with anyone about anything. During his declining health over the past year, he battled his sickness with bravery, strength, and grace, refusing to give up. Thanksgiving 2021 holds a very special place and meaning in our hearts, and his family is so THANKFUL to have spent the holiday with him as a family, as this would be the last memory we would hold with him. We will accept that blessing from God and find peace and comfort knowing that his suffering is over. Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Morgantown WV on Sunday, December 12, 2021 from 2-5 p.m. A graveside service will take place at the WV National Cemetery on Monday, December 13, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. with full military funeral rites being conducted. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Howard Franklin Watson Memorial Veterans’ Fund to honor Frank’s military service at the address of Post Office Box 842, Morgantown, West Virginia 26507 Attention: Robert Louis Shuman. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com