The family of Emory Eugene (Gene) Watson would like to share that Gene peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 14, 2020. In 1939, the son of Fred Davidson Watson and Bettie Lynn Smith Watson was born in Claiborne Parish and Ruston. He was a proud 1958 Homer High School Pelican graduate and enjoyed the company of his classmates throughout the years of his life, as well as his dear family in Athens and Ruston.

Gene graduated from Louisiana Tech University. There, in Ruston, he fell in love with his "Ruston Peach", Judith (Judy) Linda Watson.  After marrying Judy, they were proud parents of Linda Colleen Thompson (D'wayne), Emory Eugene Watson (Tami), John Keith Watson, and Kimberly Anne DeMaso (Jerry). Papaw Gene adored all ten of his grandchildren—Cassie and Kaley Watson; Lane, Trey, and Regan DeMaso; and John and Tommy Thompson, Adam and Bailey Thompson, Brooke McHaure, as well as his three great-grandchildren Brinley, Brennon, and Julian . He is preceded in death by his parents Fred and Betty Watson and son-in-law, Jerry DeMaso.

Gene and his family settled in Luling, Louisiana for over forty years. He was an instrumentation technician at Union Carbide in Taft, Louisiana for thirty-three years. Gene enjoyed the Cajun lifestyles and developed a love for the Saints. In fact, Gene's favorite pastime centered around watching the Saints and the New Orleans Jazz. However, he made it his mission to know all about most of the coaches and athletes of college and professional football and baseball teams. Gene's hobbies included fishing and tinkering with his automobiles.

Gene, an extremely out-going man, reveled in telling corny jokes or speaking in French. No matter which path his life took him, he never met a stranger. Through these encounters, he would be prompted by the Holy Spirit to share the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ in his own unique ways. The power of Christ changed many lives. More than ever, Gene focused on the things above.

After Hurricane Katrina, Gene retired, and both he and Judy returned to North Louisiana to reside. During these years, he spent time with his grandchildren, family, and church members. He will be remembered as a kind, gentleman with a passion for life and a commitment to Christ.

A memorial service for Gene will be held Monday morning, June 22, 10:30 a.m., at First Baptist Church of Homer, Louisiana. Visitation will take place 10:00 am before the memorial. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of Gene Watson to the Gideons for the distribution of Bibles across the world.