Oscar Junior Watson

Oscar Watson (OJ) passed away January 6, 2019 leaving behind his loving family. In death, he is reunited with his beloved wife of over sixty-eight years, Shirley, who left this life just five months ago. OJ was born in Ludlow, Illinois on December 29, 1928 to Oscar and Inez Watson. As a young man, he attended local schools and enjoyed playing basketball. Soon after OJ and Shirley were married in 1950, he joined the United States Army, serving in war torn Korea. His first experience in law enforcement was as a Military Policeman. His military duty complete, he returned to Illinois to work on the family farm. In 1959, OJ and Shirley moved to Corona, California, with OJ working for McVeigh Transportation and in construction. A few years later, OJ joined the Corona Police Department. He served the Corona Police Department in varied capacities that included a stint as a motorcycle officer. Toward the end of his law enforcement career, OJ would teach classes in police science, which served as a recruiting tool for the next generation of Corona police. He was a mentor to many officers. Upon retiring from the Force, the Watsons embarked upon several business enterprises, including Village Green Realty, which was in business for 22 years. OJ possessed the hidden talent of musician and singer. He enjoyed singing and performing to small groups, including entertaining at rest homes. Along with his son, a professional musician, he recorded and distributed a collection of his tunes. After long years of working, OJ and Shirley enjoyed traveling the county on their motorcycle and in their motor home and would frequently take extended trips. They especially enjoyed spending time with their family on the beaches of Hawaii. OJ was devoted to his family and leaves behind two daughters, Debbie Ledger, Denea Breitenbucher (Trent) and a son, Dusty Watson (Rikki). Included in his legacy are eight grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren, each of whom OJ loved and cherished. His passing leaves a void in the lives of his entire family that can never be filled. Fortunately, each of them has many happy memories of the times they spent together. A memorial service will be held for OJ on Thursday, January 17 at 10 a.m. in the Thomas Miller Mortuary Chapel. Following the service, a reception will take place at the Corona Elks Lodge. Service Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244 | Thursday 1/17, 10:00 am - 11:00 am