John Paul Watson

John Paul “Doodle” Watson joined the family of Paul “Roxie” Watson and Lillie Pressley Watson in Mansfield Texas on Jan. 21st of 1932. He joined his brother Burl, sisters Dorothy and Mary (Tootsie). All of them preceded him in death.

Doodle spent all of his life growing up in Mansfield. The family home was where the Wal-Mart stands today. He attended the school where the old brick building is and graduated in 1950. After graduation he enlisted in the army and served his country in Korea. When he returned home, he went to work for General Motors.

In 1956 he married the love of his life Betty Mercer, and they had two children Debbie and Glenn. In 1961 they moved to Lillian and Doodle joined the Masonic Lodge of Mansfield. He became a Past Master and had been a member for over 60 years. He joined the Lillian Baptist Church and helped build the building where they worship today. Doodle served as a member of the Lillian School Board for years and was a charter member of the Lillian Volunteer Fire Department.

After retiring from General Motors, he decided he wanted to have minnow money to be able to hunt and fish all he wanted. Doodle went back to work part-time for Pressley Construction of Mansfield. He helped Raymond & Tommy Pressley remodel several of the old buildings on Main St. in Mansfield. He even helped build the chapel where he is having his memorial service.

Doodle is survived by his wife Betty of 68 years, two children Debbie Opperman and husband Richard, Glenn Watson and wife Lissa. Two grandchildren Lacey Warren and Rocky and Ethan Watson and Stacey. Three great grandchildren, Jeremy Warren Jr., Lily Warren, and Luke Watson. He is also survived by his dear sister-in law Peggy Watson.

Doodle had a lifelong friend Lonnie Hanshew who was more like a brother. They worked at General Motors together. They hunted and fished together for over 50 years. Lonnie was a faithful friend to the very end.

Pallbearers will be William Thomas, Lonnie Hanshew, Tommy Pressley, Joe Wilson, Lynn Mears, and Benny Brown