Bob Watson Obituary

Capt. Robert M Watson, 80, passed away August 10, 2010 of aspirational pneumonia at Charlotte Regional Hospital, after a sort illness, in Punta Gorda, FL. He was the son of Dewey and Rada Watson, born December 10, 1929 in Twin Falls Idaho.

Bob enlisted in the Navy in 1948 and won a fleet appointment to the Naval Academy. He attended NAPS and entered the Academy, 19th Company, Class of 1954. The day after graduation he married his one and only, Diane MacIntyre, and began flight training in Pensacola, Fl.

Bob was designated a Naval Aviator in 1955 and made deployments in both photo and fighter squadrons, including a Vietnam tour in F8 Crusaders. Bob attended the Naval Postgraduate School, receiving a BS Degree in Aeronautical Engineering and then went to Stanford University where he earned an Engineers degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics. He became an AEDO and spent 3 years at Pt. Mugu as Project Officer for Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles and as F4J BIS trials manager. This was followed by tours as Avionics Officer, Air Pac Staff and as XO, Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) Pensacola. Then to Naval Systems Command (NAVAIR) as Weapons Systems Manager F-14 program. Bob then commanded the Naval Electronics Test and Evaluation Facility in Maryland, followed by assignment as Commanding Officer, NARF Alameda. He then returned to NAVAIR as Executive Director for Acquisition.
Upon retiring from the Navy in 1980, Bob went to work for Martin-Marietta, retiring from there in 1993 as Director of Manufacturing for Titan Launch Vehicles.
Bob and Diane lived in Colorado and traveled extensively in their motorhome until they found the perfect stopping point, Punta Gorda, Fl. Bob was active in the S.M.A.R.T. Travel Club, Meals on Wheels, enjoyed golf and skiing and was elected President of the local Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), in 2009.
Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years, Diane, daughters Leslie (John) Leake, Kate (Ermanno) Simonutti, a son, Jim (Patty) Watson and 4 grandchildren.
Services were held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda on August 25, 1010.
Bob will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, April 28, 2011, at 12:45. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Assoc.