Lieutenant Colonel Joseph E. Watson, 85, died on May 23, 2008, at the Alabama State Veterans Home in Alexander City, Alabama. LTC.
   Watson was a resident of Phenix City, Alabama.
   LTC Watson was the Officer-In-Charge of the USAMU Service Pistol Branch in the late 1950s. He served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam and made four combat jumps. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Purple Heart, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars, WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Ribbon, and Combat Infantryman Badge. He was awarded the U.S. Army Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge in 1955.
   After retiring with 29 years of Army service, he worked as an agent for Mutual of New York. He also was a volunteer for the American Red Cross delivering meals for the elderly in Phenix City. He was a member of the Board of Directors for Adult Mental Health, a member of American Sojourners Association, Sons of American Revolution, and Fort Benning Masonic Lodge No. 579.

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Teresa Watson wrote that she "grew up at Ft. Benning, Georgia, the daughter of a career Army officer, LTC. (ret) Joseph E. Watson. Hearing stories of American bravery from her father’s recounting of his two combat jumps in the European Theatre of WWII, (Fighting Red Devils - 82nd Airborne), and two combat jumps in Korea, with the 187th, and later stories, once de-classified, of his experiences as Liaison between the U.S Army, the CIA and the South Vietnamese Army, with the Phoenix Operation, through two tours of duty in Viet Nam, Teresa developed a strong sense of patriotism and personal responsibility."

Lt. Col. Joseph Elford Watson, 85, of Phenix City, Alabama died Friday, May 23, 2008 at the State Veterans Home in Alexander City, Alabama.
   Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at McMullen Funeral Home Chapel, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus with military honors. Dr. Jimmy Elder will officiate. A private interment will be held at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery.
   Mr. Watson was born August 6, 1922 in Savannah, Ga to the late Henry Eugene Watson and Georgia Townsend Watson. Lt. Col. Watson retired after 29 years in the U.S. Army and having served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam having made 4 combat Jumps and receiving the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with 3 Bronze stars, Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star, WWII Victory Medal, and an American Theatre Ribbon.
   He was a member of First Baptist Church of Columbus and Christus Sunday School Class. He also worked for Mutual of New York as an agent. He was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, he delivered meals for the elderly in Phenix City, he was a member of Board of Directors for Adult Mental Health, member of American So Journey Association, sons of American Revolution, and Ft. Benning Masonic Lodge #579.
   Survivors include his wife, Mae Purmort Watson of Phenix City, AL; three daughters, Denise Gilbreath (Dale) of Jacksonville, FL, Teresa Watson of Rome, GA and Georgia Haywood of Columbus, GA; three sons, Joseph Elford Watson, Jr. (Tammy) of Phenix City, AL, Nicky Evans (Frances) of Murfreesboro, N.C. and Rhon Evans of Phenix City, AL; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.