Pastor Robert E. Watson went home to be with the Lord on June 17, 2016, after many years of serving others as he served the Lord. He was born February 3, 1946 in Marshall, Texas to Earl and Willie Watson. Robert received his formal education in Marshall, Texas, graduating from H.B. Pemberton High School in 1964. After graduation, Robert attended Arkansas AM&N College, where he was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts Education in 1968. After graduation, he married his college sweetheart, Mattie L. Watson (Rolfe) from Foreman, Arkansas in 1968. God blessed this union with three sons, Steven, Rodney, and Marcus Watson. Robert confessed his love for Christ at an early age and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church in Marshall, Texas. In 1969, Robert and Mattie moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he served as Deacon and Sunday School Director at Southside First Baptist Church (SBC) under the leadership of the late Reverend Johnson. Robert and Mattie later moved their membership to Fellowship Baptist Church where he faithfully served as Deacon, Sunday School Director, and was later called to the ministry. Rev. Robert E. Watson was also a master construction designer/builder, who built many structures that are still present in churches today. After accepting his call to the ministry and many years of service, Rev. Watson was called to pastor United Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as Senior Pastor and member of the Missouri Sunshine District Association and New Era Missionary Baptist District Association. In 1994, Robert and Mattie founded New Horizon Missionary Baptist Church under the direction of the Holy Spirit and in covenant with several key founding members. In 2014, Pastor Watson was called to pastor his home church and later retired as pastor from Fellowship Baptist Church in 2015. Pastor Watson and Mattie later joined Westminster Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Engus Carter until their scheduled move to Desoto, TX in 2015. On June 17, 2015, Pastor Watson lost the love of his life, Mattie. He eventually moved to Texas, where he served at Carver Heights Missionary Baptist Church under the direction of Rev. Daryl Carter, Senior Pastor. Robert began his teaching career within the Kansas City Missouri School District. Affectionately known as Coach Watson, he was a passionate high school educator who loved to teach industrial arts and coach football. In addition, he was a strong disciplinarian, who ensured students respected all adults on and off the athletic field. A seasoned and dedicated educator, he was known for taking time to mentor students, as he believed it was his responsibility to train future generations. Robert worked at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, Central High School, Westport High School and Chester Anderson Alternative School until his retirement. Pastor Robert Watson was preceded in death by his wife, Mattie Watson; father, Earl Watson; his mother, Willie Watson; four brothers: Aaron Carter, Isaac Carter, Pastor Tyler Carter and A.C. Carter; and three sisters: Francis Carter, Martha Chisom, and Julia St. Hill. He leaves to cherish his memories, three devoted sons: Steven D. Watson (Stephanie), DeSoto, TX; Rodney E. Watson (Shanel), Houston, TX; and Marcus D. Watson (Tynisha), Lee's Summit, MO; two siblings: Gladys Carter, Carrolton, TX and Willie James Carter, Marshall, TX; eight grandchildren: Erin, Joshua, Chandler, Simone, Elise, Rodney II, Skylar, and Makayla Watson; a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, friends, students and loving church family members. Funeral services will be Friday, June 24, 1:00 p.m. at Westminster Baptist Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.