Terry E. Watson

Terry E. Watson

Burlington

Terry E. Watson, 82, of Burlington, Iowa, passed away surrounded by his wife and children on January 29, 2025 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

He was born on July 11, 1942 to Edmond and Vivian (Heston) Watson in Fairfield, Iowa, he was the oldest of four children. He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1961 lettering in wrestling. Terry attended Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, and then enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Amphion. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, where he met the love of his life of 57 years, Rosa Dean (Link) from Indianapolis, Indiana. They were married on October 11, 1967.

He began his employment at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middleton, Iowa in January 1968 and retired as Traffic Manager in 2007.

Terry enjoyed working in his yard, tinkering in his garage, history and geography, being “The Handyman” for his loved ones, and spending time with family. He especially loved his time with all of his grandchildren. He was known to have ice cream and candy at any time of day and always encouraged others to join.

Terry is survived by his wife, Rosie, and children Tracy (Mike) Walker of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Debra (Mark) Sheldon of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Wendy (Perry) Hendricks of Mt. Pleasant; Scott (Arin) Watson of Turbotville, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Ian (Rigel), Camden, and Riley Walker, Maya and Avery Sheldon, Shelby (Katie) McKune, Sarah (Jake) Wilson, Tyler (Alicia) Hendricks, Jozette Gehr, Ayden and Keagen Watson; great-grandchildren, Clara Wilson and Porter Horton; siblings, Ron Watson of Fairfield, Patti (Jeff) Hunter of Mt. Pleasant, Shirley (Brad) Trueblood of Corryton, Tennessee; one aunt, May Watson of Lockridge; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A visitation for Terry was held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Lunning Chapel, where the family met with friends.

A private memorial will be held at Glasgow Cemetery in Iowa at a later date.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.