Russell Ward Watson

Watson, Russell Ward, age 82, of Wichita, died July 20, 2013. The son of Elvira and Robert H. Watson, Sr., he graduated from Wichita High School East, going on to earn a Bachelors degree with Honors from Wichita State University and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Syracuse University. Mr. Watson joined Cessna Aircraft in 1959, retiring after more than forty years of service. During his years at Cessna he was responsible for the Air Education Program, which promoted aviation education and the Cessna Pilot Centers. He was also the recipient of numerous honors including the Brewer Trophy, the nations highest award in aerospace education. The trophy resides on permanent display in the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. He was a longtime member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church. In 1965 he married Lolita (Dee-Dee) Shelton who survives him. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert H. Watson, Jr. Surviving are a daughter, Brijin Kate Harvey of Colorado Springs, CO; grandsons, Robert Watson Harvey and Scott Bradley Harvey of Colorado Springs, CO; sister, Mary Frances Watson Carson of Carlisle, PA; nieces, Barbara Anne Vandeventer (Jared) of Wichita and Libby Hockensmith of Carlisle, PA; nephews, Robert Charles Watson of Memphis, TN and Stephen James Carson (Lori) of Carlisle, PA; and sister-in-law, Linda Watson of Wichita. Memorial donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America for use in their scouting aviation programs (Boy Scouts of America National Council, PO Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079). The funeral will be held on Monday, July 29th at 1:30 p.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church (1958 N. Webb Road, Wichita) with the Rev. Richard Gorham officiating. Burial will be at the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery, Desloge, MO. Downing and Lahey East Mortuary is handling arrangements.