Lanny Lee Watson, 78, of Hallettsville, was born on October 18, 1934 in Galveston, TX. He was what is known as a "BOI" or "Born on Island". He was the third child of Arthur Emmett and Velma Althea Watson. Lanny went to his heavenly home on January 11, 2013 in Hallettsville, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Raymond Watson, sister Nevil Goodgame, and nieces Erin Herrington and Rani Goodgame. Lanny is survived by his wife of 27 years, Mary Ann Geyer Watson. He also has five children, all of whom he loved dearly: Patricia Parker (Ted), Melissa Walter (Danny), and Andrew Watson, from his first marriage; Deborah Zornes (Steve), William (Rusty) Wallace III (Jeanette), and daughter of his heart Bridgette Watson. Lanny and Mary Ann are blessed with fifteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Lanny graduated from Ball High School in Galveston in 1952 and attended one year at the University of Houston. Some of his earliest childhood memories involved gathering metal for the World War II war effort. He had much of his family living close by and also visited relatives in South Louisiana. Lanny was thirteen years younger than his siblings and played with and ate with the children at an orphanage close to his home. While in high school he played football or "warmed the bench" as he recalled.

Lanny joined the Army at age 19, classified as 1-A in the draft. He was stationed at a missile site outside of Washington DC for the duration of his service. After being discharged, Lanny began his career in Texas Butadiene in Channelview, TX. He worked 35 years at the same facility, but it changed names several times. It was Lyondell Petrochemical when he retired. After leaving, he worked for a contractor at NASA for 18 months. He was so proud of being a part of the "Hubble" team there. Lanny and Mary Ann retired to a home on Lake Livingston.

Blessed with so much more time in retirement, Lanny and Mary Ann were able to spend much quality time with their grandchildren. They first bought a fifth-wheel camper and then a small motor-home. Together, they visited all but one of our states and Canada, camping and exploring. For 18 years each summer would find them at their rented "Mountain Home" in Montana. They were usually joined first by Mary Ann's parents and then by their children and "grands". Many trips were made down the river that ran right outside the door, many domino games were played and many memories made.

The Watson's also visited other countries. Cruises took them to many destinations too. Greece, Israel, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Mexico, Jamaica, England, Ireland, Scotland, the 1000 mile trip up the Amazon, Turkey, and most of the Western European countries were on their travel schedule. Lanny so loved telling tales of their travels. He really was disappointed in not going to Australia, though.

Lanny was a Christian, God-fearing man, strong in his faith. He grew up in the Christian church then joined the Lutheran church in Baytown, TX in 1990. He was an active member of Lake Livingston Lutheran Church of Onalaska and St. Luke's Episcopal in Livingston, TX, and later St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hallettsville. He served in several servant capacities in these congregations. He was at times a chalice and cross bearer, treasurer, council president, reader, and usher. He and Mary Ann also volunteered in an after school program for young children.

Due to Lanny's severe physical deterioration and need for more care, he and Mary Ann's last journey was to live in Hallettsville, TX with family. They were welcomed warmly here by family and friends. A man who never met a stranger and could find rapport with anyone, Lanny enjoyed his life. He especially loved being involved in his grandchildren's sports activities and sharing in other experiences with those he loved. In Hallettsville he was able to do this even through the increase physical limitation. He loved and was surrounded by those who loved him.

The family wishes to thank all those who assisted in his care, sharing themselves and their lives with him. He counted those among his friends and we are grateful.

Memorial Funeral Service: 10:30 am, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, at St. Peter Lutheran Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4pm Monday at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. J. W. Mielke. Memorials: St. Peter Lutheran Church, American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society, or Hospice of South Texas.