Robert Watson

Robert “Bob” Laverne Watson, 87, of Brighton, IL, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was born on October 13, 1937, in Jerseyville, IL, the son of the late Laverne and Arlene (Heyen) Watson.

Bob married Julia Hughes on March 1, 1958, in Bloomington, IL. She survives.
He lost his sight at the age of 6 and went to the Illinois Braille and Sight Saving School, which is now Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in Jacksonville, IL.

Bob graduated with his JD from the University of Illinois. He went to Washington D.C. and worked for the State Department before moving back to Illinois and working for the Illinois Attorney General in Springfield, IL. Bob opened Watson Law Office in 1972 in Brighton, IL, and later opened a branch in Bunker Hill, IL.

He was the Village of Brighton’s Attorney for 51 years and practiced law for 61 years. Bob was on the Board of Trustees for Lewis and Clark Community College for 44 years, serving as chairman for 39. The math building on the campus is named in his honor. He also served on the Southwestern School Board for several years.

Bob is survived by his wife, Julia; four children, Dale Watson of Brighton, IL, Jeffrey (Amy) Watson of Brighton, IL, Linda (Sean) Patterson of Independence, OH, and Jennifer (Chris) Watson-Gushleff of Brighton, IL; ten grandchildren Shaun, Korin, Joel, Joseph, Johnathan, Laura, Seth, Sasha, Kevin, and Melinda; two great grandchildren Joiee and Adelyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister Wanda Watson.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton, IL.

Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton, IL. Burial will follow at Brighton Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church in Brighton, IL.

Condolences may be left online at www.andersonfamilyfuneral.com.

Obit Provided By:
Anderson Family Funeral Home