Obituary of Herbert Madison Watson

Herbert Madison Watson, Jr., the only child of Herbert & Lillian Watson, was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on July 26, 1923. Coming into this world at a whopping 13-1/2 pounds, Herb, as he was known to most, left this earthly world peacefully, on January 21, 2016, in Banning, California. Herb excelled in both academics and athletics even going so far as attending business college while still finishing high school. With the onset of World War II, Herb, being the embodiment of “the Greatest Generation” that he was, chose to enlist in the United States Army in 1942. Ultimately serving with the United States Army Air Corps on active and reserve duty and achieved the rank of Captain. He received multiple service decorations and flew as a bombardier/navigator on 76 missions in the China and Central Burma Air Offensive while stationed in India. Herb had two children from his first marriage, Bruce and! Sheila. In 1973, Herb married his best friend and partner for life, Patricia. Pat had three children from her previous marriage, Lance Blacker, Stephen Blacker, and Lynn Blacker-Dahnke. Herb and Pat loved their blended family, which included daughters-in-law Barbara, Dee, and Kathy. Herb was always quick to share/brag about the 40+ grandchildren and great grandchildren they were blessed with. Herb enjoyed a successful career in the non-profit sector, and he was highly respected as a fundraising executive throughout his career in Orange County, CA. Beginning his career in the early 1960's at the Harbor Area Boys Club then becoming the program director at the Boys Club of Santa Ana, Herb quickly rose through the ranks and became the executive director. He was hired as the first executive director at the Boys Club of Tustin and oversaw programs which benefited more than 2,500 boys and their families, annually. Herb also directed major fund-development campaigns for Anaheim Memorial ! Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Orange County. In 1979, Herb and Pat started their own fund development consulting firm. Together, they helped numerous human service agencies throughout Orange County. The crowning achievement in Herb’s illustrious career was having the opportunity to serve as the executive director of the Orange County Ronald McDonald House. Under Herb’s leadership and with the assistance of a fantastic board of directors, the Orange County Ronald McDonald House was the first to open its doors without a mortgage. When the house opened, Pat was hired as the day-to-day operational manager. Herb and Pat made the house a home for hundreds of families over the years. Upon retirement in 1992, Herb and Pat moved to Sun Lakes Country Club in Banning, CA. Herb and Pat enjoyed trout fishing, golfing, bowling and traveling. Herb loved going anywhere as long as he and Pat were together. Herb also had a passion for UCLA basketball, and seldom missed a televised ! game. In recent years, Herb enjoyed talking about basketball with his son Bruce, during their daily phone calls. Herb was known widely as a Godly man, a kind man, a generous man, a quiet man, and a sincere man. To his family, he was all those things and a respected patriarch. He was always very proud of his personal priorities—God, Pat, Family, and Friends. Herb was predeceased by his father, mother, and daughter Sheila. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at Life Point Church, 565 N. San Gorgonio Avenue, Banning, CA. Interment will be at Riverside National Cemetery on a later date for immediate family only. The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Life Point Church, Attn: Building Fund, PO Box 9, Banning, CA 92220.