Philip Brooks Watson Jr.

Memorial services for Philip (Phil) Brooks Watson, Jr., of St. Joseph, Louisiana, will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in St. Joseph, Louisiana, on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at 2:30 p.m., with Father Gregg Riley officiating under the direction of Youngs Funeral Home. Phil passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2018. Phil is survived by his wife, Allein Harkey Watson; his children, Benjamin Maddox Watson and wife, Linda, of St. Joseph, Louisiana; William Brooks Watson, Sr., and wife, Karen, of Monroe, Louisiana; Scott Harkey Watson and wife, Mary Lynn, of Tallulah, Louisiana; his brother, William Wade Watson, of St .Joseph, Louisiana; his niece, Rebecca Watson Vizard and her husband, Michael, of St. Joseph, Louisiana; and his grandchildren, Anna Kate Tonore and husband, Michael, Allie Elizabeth Watson, William Brooks Watson, Jr., William Parks Watson, Elizabeth Claire Watson, Elizabeth Lee Watson, and Philip Newell Watson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip Brooks Watson, Sr., and Roslyn Newell Watson, and his aunt, Lucille Watson. A native of St. Joseph, Louisiana, Phil was born on May 5, 1931. He graduated from Davidson High School in St. Joseph and went on to attend Tulane University. He graduated from Tulane University in three years, and, thereafter, from Tulane Law School where he received his LLB in 1953. At Tulane, he was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa Honorary Society, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, and Who’s Who in America. He was also a member of the Tulane Law Review. After graduating from Tulane, he served two years in the U.S. Navy before returning home to join his father in the practice of law in St. Joseph. A member of Christ Episcopal Church, Phil was very active in church matters, where he continually served on the church Vestry, was church Secretary, and Sr. Warden. He was a proud member of Rotary and earned the honor of Paul Harris Fellow. Phil was on the Tensas Parish Library Board and was instrumental in establishing the Plantation Museum, which helped fulfill his many historical pursuits. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Cross Keys Bank for forty-six years, serving in various capacities, including Bank Counsel. He served on the Vicksburg Hospital Board of Trustees for thirty-seven years and, upon retirement therefrom, was honored with a scholarship in his name at Hinds University Hospital Nursing Program. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Panola Company, Limited for forty-six years and as a member of the Board of Directors of Newellton Gin, Inc. During his career in St. Joseph, Phil served as President of the Tensas Academy Board of Directors and served on numerous other civic and community boards, outreaches and programs. Prior to the memorial service, there will be a visitation with family at Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall beginning at 1:00 p.m. After the memorial service, there will be a gathering of family and friends at the home of Becky and Michael Vizard on Lake Bruin. The family would like to express their thanks to TLC Home Health and TLC Hospice Services; Personal Homecare Service and its caregivers, Paula Keith and Rajean Rainey; and special friend and caregiver, Jessie Campbell. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Christ Episcopal Church, PO Box 256, St. Joseph, LA 71366; Tensas Academy, PO Box 555, St. Joseph, LA 71366; Tulane University for the Strawberry People Scholarship Fund, PO Box 61075, New Orleans, LA 70161-9986, or the charity of choice. to leave an online comdolence for the family visit www.youngsfh.com

Philip Brooks Watson Jr.

May 5, 1931 - February 28, 2018