Laverne B. Watson

Laverne “Vern” B. Watson, 78 of Cut Bank, MT formerly of Ellendale, ND died March 2, 2015 at his home. A graveside memorial service will be held 2pm Friday, May 15 at the Ellendale City Cemetery with Pastor Glenn Raynor officiating. Laverne “Vern” B. Watson passed away on Monday, March 2, 2015 due to natural causes. He was 78 years old. A memorial service was held March 11, at the Moose Lodge. Vern was born on April 9, 1936 in Ellendale, ND, to Byron and Rosella Watson, the eldest of five siblings. He was baptized in the Methodist Church as an infant. Vern joined the Air Force in 1953 at the age of 17 as an aircraft electrician. In 1974, after serving 22 years, he retired at Malmstrom Air Force Base. Vern met and married Irene Berger in 1957 at Onville, France while he was stationed at Chambley Air Force Base. They had five children together: four sons, Byron of Fargo, ND, John of Polson, Patrick of Clovis, CA, and Didier of Omaha, NE; and one daughter, Catherine of Cut Bank. He has six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is survived by his children and grandchildren as well as sisters, Lorraine and Eva; brother-in-law, Arvid, step-brother James (Dianne) Billey, nieces, nephews, aunts and many more relatives. After retiring he worked at the bowling alley on base, then five years later, moved his entire family to Cut Bank where he bought Glacier Lanes, operating that business for 22 years. He then opened a hobby shop next door. Vern remained in that business until his untimely death. Vern just loved everything hobby. His passion was building planes and flying. He especially loved his Cessna 150. He loved telling everyone that he was a certified pilot and he was the happiest when he was 10,000 miles in the sky. He loved bowling and really enjoyed the Senior League on Wednesday afternoons. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Loretta; brother, Freeman; and son Patrick.