Rodney L. Watson, 64, of Arnold, went to be with the Lord on August 1, 2012, the result of an auto accident west of Arnold.
Rod was born July 13, 1948 in Arnold to Robert L. Watson and Norma J. (Merritt) Watson. He graduated from Arnold High School in 1966 and attended Chadron State College. Rod entered the United States Army in 1968 where he was trained as a helicopter gunner. He was honorably discharged in 1971.
During his short life, Rod was an excellent horseman and enjoyed training horses and working for various ranches. For many years, he also worked in his family’s business, and later owned Watson’s Grocery Store and Meat Processing in Arnold. For 16 years, he was an accomplished custom home builder and craftsman. He spent his final days pursuing his passion of teaching his grandchildren how to work with horses. It was his fervent desire that his family know the importance of honesty, hard work and love for the Lord.
Rod will be remembered for his faith, generosity, and willingness to help those in need. He loved laughter and spending time with his family and good friends. He was especially grateful for the many hours spent with his oldest grandchildren, Aubrey and Merritt.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Murray and Edith (Judkins) Watson, Vance and Bertha (Jenkins) Merritt; mother, Norma Dringman; mother-in-law, Delores Ferguson and brother-in-law, Doug Ferguson.
Rod is survived by his wife, Cheryl of Arnold; children, Shelly (Brent) Apperson of Arnold, Suzanne (Tyler) Personeni of Nevada, Renae (Jeff) Eastman of North Platte and Robert (Lana) Watson of Tryon; 9 grandchildren, Aubrey, Merritt, Hannah, Ashton, Alissa, Hollianna, Lane, Vincent and his younger brother; parents, Robert and Donna Watson of Holyoke, Colorado; one brother, Regan Watson of Arthur. He is also survived by Cheryl’s four children; father-in-law, Frosty Ferguson; nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends, Carol Watson and Violet Clausen of Arnold.
Cremation was chosen. As per Rod’s wishes, a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established in his name.
Carpenter Memorial Chapel of North Platte in charge of arrangements.