Robert Eugene Watson

Robert Eugene Watson age 61 of Sweetwater, TN went to be with the Lord on June 24, 2015. Robert is the son of the late TG and Norma Watson of Sweetwater and stepson of the late Louise Watson. He is the Uncle to the late Michael Hall of Madisonville and Rebecca "Sissy" Standridge of Sweetwater. He is married to his loving wife Debbie Webb Watson of 42 years. Robert is the loving father to Kevin Watson and wife Megan of Sweetwater. He is proudly called "Pap" by his grandson Will Parker Watson and soon to come granddaughter Hadley Ruth Watson. Robert’s Special 4 legged friend “Amos, the Famous”. Robert is the brother of Debbie Beckman and spouse Eddie of Sweetwater, Doug Watson and spouse Linda of Sweetwater, Essie Troutt and spouse Steve of Madisonville, Betty Latham and spouse John of Madisonville, Tim Watson of Sweetwater and Stepbrother to Allen and David Henry of Paint Rock. Robert is the brother-in-law of Demaris and John Coppenger of Sweetwater, Dale Webb of Knoxville, Drusilla and Don May of Jonesboro GA and Don and Sue Farrell of Fayettville GA. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews that he loved dear. Robert was a true servant to his community. He dedicated many years of public service within Monroe County , he was a Deputy Sheriff at the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, Patrolmen at the Sweetwater Police Department and then at the Sweetwater Fire Department where he served for 17 years. During this time Robert had a passion for teaching others, he trained thousands of Firefighters and Arson Investigators throughout the state. In 1994 he was named Instructor of the Year for the State of Tennessee. In 1997 Robert began working for the State of Tennessee Bomb and Arson Division where he served as a Special Agent. He served there as a K-9 handler with his partner of 15 years Yvonne. Robert also is a past President of the Sweetwater Valley Lodge #49 of the Fraternal Order of Police. Past President of the TN Chapter of IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) and member of the Sweetwater Valley Lodge #280 of the I.O.O.F. . Robert enjoyed "Hot Rods" and antique cars and he was one of the original founders of the Valley Cruisers car club of Sweetwater. Robert was a true servant to his community and will be missed. The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 28, 2015, at Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, from 3:00P.M. 7:00P.M. with the funeral service to follow at 7:00P.M. in Kyker’s Chapel with Dr. Frank Crawford and Rev. Bill Roberts officiating. Interment 1:00P.M. Monday in the Sweetwater Memorial Park. Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements. www.kykerfuneralhomes.com

Robert Eugene Watson

September 3, 1953 - June 24, 2015