Clifford Watson

Clifford “Cliff” DeWitt Watson, 77, a native of Rosefield, La., and longtime resident of Berwick, La., died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011.

Mr. Watson was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, principal, coach, teacher, golfer and fishing buddy. He was an active and dedicated member of the Berwick community. He served the Berwick school system in many capacities for more than three decades. During his years as coach, teacher and principal, he was present at almost all school functions and this continued after his retirement. He graduated from Jena High School in 1952 and went to Northeastern Louisiana University for his Degree in Education. He served his country in the U.S. Army for two years in Europe, received his Masters plus 30 from Louisiana State University, and served eight years on the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, and then the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1997, he was inducted into Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame. He was also an original member of the Berwick Development District and was still serving in that capacity. In 2007, he celebrated his conversion to the Catholic religion and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Naquin Watson; son, Roger (Margaret-Dunn) Watson; daughter, Sheli McGonagill; brothers, J. C. (Barbara), Morris (Ollabell), Leo (Leona), Theo (Maydell), Virgil (Gail) and Shelby (Brenda) Watson; sisters, Shirley (Ernest) Turner, Linda (Ronald) Carter, Kathy (Kenneth) Jordan and Virginia (Ronnie) Hornbeck; and six grandchildren, Meghan Yohann, Cliff and Michael Watson, and Shannon, Maddi and Tristan McGonagill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Meledia Poole Watson; and one brother, Baby Watson.

He is interred at the Berwick Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the “Cliff and Sandra Watson Memorial Fund” at Patterson State Bank for use toward the extracurricular activities at Berwick High School. (Hargrave)

Clifford Watson