Obituaries

Dennis Lee Watson Sr., age 81, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on May 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at home. He was born on November 6, 1944, in Alton, Illinois, to William Watson and Leona Mainord.

Dennis was raised in Jerseyville, Illinois, where he graduated from Jerseyville High School. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for eight years. During his service, he was stationed in Vietnam and later at Kincheloe Air Force Base, where he met the love of his life, Beverly “Jeanie” McKerchie. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, raising four children and continuing with his love for aviation working as an air traffic controller for 20 years.

Dennis was a proud member of the VFW post 3676 in Sault Ste. Marie.

Dennis found great joy in the outdoors and could often be found fishing, mushroom picking, or tending to his garden. His passion for gardening earned him recognition from the City of Sault Ste. Marie, where he was honored with an award for having the best garden one year. He also enjoyed playing pool and bowling with a league in his younger years.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Jeanie; children, Dennis (Lynette) Watson Jr. of Sault Ste. Marie, Becky (Dean) Goodman of Rudyard, Michigan, William Watson, and Terry Watson both of Sault Ste. Marie; grandchildren, Sara Watson, Kaitlyn (Grant) Goodman-Gann, Kylie Goodman, Anjeni Watson, Bianca Watson, Nicholas Causley, and Ashtin Shampine; brother, Marvin Watson of Tampa, Florida; sisters-in-law, Bernice Roberts, Carol Lawrence, Etta Peterson; brothers-in-law, Ray (Sue) McKerchie, Russ (Linda) McKerchie, James (Irene) Sears, Daniel McKerchie and Mickey McKerchie.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, William and Leona; grandson, Lee Watson Stevens; sister, Alice Mae (Virgil) Edmiston; brothers, Vernon Watson and Russel Watson; brothers-in-law, Earl (Maggie) McKerchie, Kenny (Nancy) McKerchie, James Roberts, Robert Lawrence, Robert Peterson, Clarence McKerchie, George McKerchie; sisters-in-law, Patricia Watson, Loris McKerchie, Bonnie McKerchie and Barb McKerchie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Dennis’s final resting place will be at Donaldson Cemetery in Dafter, Michigan.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.