Ralph Butler Watson, 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at home in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Ralph was born in Tucson, Arizona, on January 30, 1927 and was one of five children born to Michael and Verdie Watson. He graduated Salutatorian of Gilbert High School in 1944.
Ralph served in the Civil Air Patrol at the age of 14, and continued to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army and then in the Merchant Marines. After his military service, he moved back to Casa Grande, Arizona, where he met his beautiful bride and wife of 64 years, Margaret Wilma Plenz. He was a hard-working Arizona cotton farmer until mid-1960 when he and Margaret moved the family to Arkansas and opened a popular Mexican restaurant in Arkadelphia, the Spanish Kitchen. On his life journey he strived to evolve his intellectual and spiritual path and to be an example of unconditional love. Apart from his family, Ralph enjoyed sports, especially Razorback football, a game of bridge, a love of books, great music, and classic cinema.
In 2016, Ralph was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the Civil Air Patrol for his service in WWII. The mayor of Fort Smith named October 21, 2016 ‘Ralph Watson Day.’
Ralph is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Margaret, his children Gary (Edie) Mercer, Diane Cardell, Linda (David) Bisbee, Candice (David) Serafin, Holly (Dick) Nethers, and Laurie Watson. He was the Grandad to Michele, Christy (Greg), Christopher (Randi), Shana (Scott), Rebecca (Adam), Dirk (Jo-Ellen), Brooke (Steve), Zack, Carla (Billy), Lauren (Ryan), Scott, Lori (Mike), Dirk (Carrie), Cody, Jason and Sara (Joshua). He was beloved by his great-grandchildren Kylie, Andrew, Sierra, Rayna, Nycole, Riley, Samuel, Jackson, Mitchel, Anna, Aimee, Allyson, Jon, Mason, Ryan, Alexis, Hannah, Harper, Samantha (Matt), Richard (Emma), Steven, Nathan, Katelyn, Grant, Josiah, Grayson, and Olivia. He was more than an Uncle to so many nieces and nephews and a friend everyone hoped to have.
Internment to be held at the Fort Smith National Cemetery on October 26, 2018 with military honors and followed by a life celebration at the family’s home.
In lieu of flowers please donate to either St. Jude Hospital or the Fort Smith Civil Air Patrol.
‘Oh, Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling…..’

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