Robert Henry Watson

Robert Henry Watson, 85, of Overland Park and Shawnee, Kansas passed away peacefully with his wife and daughters at his side on Saturday, November 7th, 2026.

Robert “Bob” was the 5th and youngest child born to John William Watson and Violet Rosella (Newberry) Watson on November 21st, 1940. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but spent much of his growing up years in Shawnee, Kansas where he and his family had a cow, some chickens including a mean rooster, a goat, and dogs, as well as a garden and an apple tree or two.

Since his father died when he was young, the children all worked to help run the household and earn money. Bob worked on local farms when young and at Haskins Drug Store in Shawnee throughout his teen and early adult years. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in Shawnee in 1959, and later attended Donnelly College and Kansas City Business College to earn his CPA. He worked in mutual funds as a CPA, for Standard Brands (Nabisco Brands) as an assistant transportation manager, and later was a tax examiner for the IRS. After retirement, he wanted to continue to work some and joined his brother Jim as a driver for Assisted Transportation. Bob served in the Army Reserves for many years.

Bob married Marilyn Granquist in 1966 after waiting three years for her to return from missions in Brazil. They soon started a family. He was a faithful, loving and devoted husband and father, active as a Boy Scout leader for many years, and was a Eucharistic Minister for about 5 decades. He prayed very regularly, especially the Rosary, and had a strong faith. He loved talking, teasing and making trouble. He had a playful sense of humor and a positive outlook on life. His smile and hugs will be remembered by many.

Robert is survived by his wife Marilyn (Granquist) Watson and his two daughters: Paulette Samson (Ken) and Annette Burgoon (Mike), by his sister Pat Nolan and his brothers Bill (Pat) and Jim (Janet), by 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, and by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents John William Watson and Violet Rosella (Newberry) Watson, by brother John Watson and brother-in-law Jim Nolan, and by his son Andrew Watson.

Finally, as Bob always said, “Be safe and stay out of trouble.”

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm with a Rosary at 6:00 pm at Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203. A memorial service will be Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 9:30 am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 103rd St, Overland Park, KS 66214 To view the service live CLICK HERE. Inurnment will be Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 11:00 am in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 6115 Quivira Rd, Shawnee, KS 66216.

Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charites, 9720 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212 or Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W 103rd Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66214.