Verona, WI/Anderson, IN – The Reverend Doctor Cecil Walter Watson, age 95, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, WI. He was born on April 19, 1931, to Clyde Walter and Ruth Edna (Rich) Watson in High Point, North Carolina.

After graduating from High Point High School in 1950, Cecil attended High Point College where he met his future wife, Frankie Lee Causby. After two years at High Point College, Cecil and Frankie both transferred to Anderson University, Anderson, IN. Cecil and Frankie married December 20, 1952 in Anderson. After earning his B.A. in 1954, Cecil continued his studies at the Anderson School of Theology earning his Master of Divinity degree in 1957. He received the C.E. Brown Research Award for his thesis. While in school, Cecil worked two jobs at Delco-Remy and a bakery to support his young family and pay for his college expenses. Cecil earned his Doctor of Ministries, 1981, from the Lexington Theological Seminary.

Upon earning his masters degree, Reverend Watson accepted the pastorship of the First Church of God in Paris Kentucky, (1957-1964). While in Paris, Cecil led the church in the building of new facilities; served on the Cerebral Palsy Board of Directors; and he served in various positions with the local and state Ministerial Associations.

In 1964, Cecil moved his family to Princeton, WV where he pastored at the First Church of God until 1975. In Princeton, Cecil led the church in the building of new facilities, including a Child Development Center. The child center was the first child care of its kind in the State of West Virginia. He also served as President of the Kiwanis Club and worked as a chaplain with area hospitals. Cecil was very honored to be asked to deliver the prayer for Governor John D. Rockefeller prayer breakfast in Princeton and for Robert Kennedy in April 1968.

In 1975, Rev. Cecil Watson moved to Anderson, IN where he later became the Executive Vice President of the Church Extension for the Church of God. Cecil served in this capacity for almost 30 years, directing fund campaigns for 265 churches throughout the US and the Cayman Islands. For 15 years, he also assisted people in estate planning.

Cecil Watson moved to Verona, WI in 2022 to be close to family after the passing of his beloved wife of 69 years, Frankie Lee Causby Watson. Cecil is survived by his daughter, Karen (William Robinson Newlin) Watson-Newlin, Madison, WI; son, Michael Bryan Watson (Christopher Bowen), New York, NY; grandchildren, Robert Nicholas Newlin (Diane DiSalvo Newlin), Madison, WI; Dr. Meredith Leah Fendt-Newlin (Joachim Fendt-Newlin), Nyon, Switzerland; and three great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Cecil is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Doris Watson Crisco and Robert Donald Watson.

A Celebration of Cecil's Life will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, December 5, at the East Maplewood Cemetery Chapel, 200 College Drive, Anderson, IN.

The family extends deep gratitude to the Agrace HospiceCare staff and nurses for the excellent care Cecil received in the final months of his life. After living in severe pain for several years, our father is finally pain free in eternity with Frankie Lee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 East Cheryl Pkwy, Madison, WI 53711.

To view full details or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center
6728 Mader Drive
608-274-1000

Cecil Watson

April 19, 1931 - September 29, 2026

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