Benny Watson

Benny Ray Watson of Orient, Ohio passed away on Sunday, November 17th, 2024. He was a cherished husband, beloved father, adored grandfather & great grandfather and faithful friend. He entered the arms of our savior at the age of 90. He was born on September 26th, 1934, in Logan, West Virginia. He was the 8th born in a family of 10 siblings. He moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1954 where he met the love of his life, Janet Kunde. He worked for White Westinghouse for 33 years and for Franklin County Courts for over 8 years. 

Benny’s life was a testament to the love and dedication he had for his family, friends and the numerous lives he touched. He was a hard worker, a man of integrity and was known for being easy going, kind-hearted, with a fun-loving personality. He was a complete joy to be around. Benny was passionate about tending his large vegetable garden each year, along with mowing his many acres and planting numerous flowers. He loved cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes football and basketball teams. He enjoyed hunting and vacations with his family at the beach, and life’s simple pleasures. 

Benny was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Lee and Kizzie Mae Watson; sisters Edyth, Opal, Wanda, and Gaynell; and brothers Darrell, Harold, Bill, and Gene. He is survived by his loving wife of over 67 years, Janet; his children Glenn (Reyna) Watson, Diane (Kenny) Crabtree and Lorrie (John) LaFontaine; as well as seven grandchildren, Jessica (Josh) Jacobs, Corry (Liz) Watson, Curtis (Kristin) Watson, Cayla (Ben) Hardesty, Chelsea (Trent) Cornwell, Jean-Paul LaFontaine, Monique (Teddy) Blueger and nine great-grandchildren, Jackson, Marley, Magnolia, Maylee Jacobs, Charles, Luke Hardesty, Jordan, Hailey Watson and Noah Watson who were all the pride of his life and his sister Dottie Edmond.

We are blessed to celebrate a life lived with joy, a heart given freely to others, and a spirit that will continue to inspire for generations to come. Benny, your presence will be deeply missed, but your spirit will remain in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be held Sunday November 24, 2024, from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm at GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 S. High Street, Columbus, OH 43207, where service will be held Monday, November 25, 2024, at 10:30 am with Pastor Shawn Watson officiating. Interment to follow at Franklin Hills Memory Gardens in Canal Winchester, OH. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in memory of Benny be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio Chapter online at www.alz.org/centralohio/donate To leave an online condolence for the family please visit Benny’s tribute page at www.graumlichfuneralhome.com

Tribute Video to be uploaded soon