Melvin F. Watson, SR

When reflecting on the life of Melvin Watson, Sr., it is easy to see that his deep love for his family is interwoven throughout his brilliant tapestry of time. He was so full of life and he loved to laugh and tease all in the name of fun. Known for his strong work ethic and perfectionistic tendencies, Melvin taught us that there is no such thing as a free lunch and that anything worth doing is worth doing well. Always witty, always his way or the highway, and very cautious with his money. Melvin leaves behind a timeless legacy rich in honor, integrity, and strength that leaves us all with much to aspire for.

Nearly a century has passed since the year 1914 and if one could turn back the hands of time, they would reveal an America that is both similar yet drastically different than our great land today. We struggled with some of the same issues such as poverty and immigration although the working class also battled with unsafe working conditions that often hampered our youngest workers. This same year was an unforgettable one for one young family from Kankakee, Illinois, since it was on February 12th that they welcomed a baby boy into their hearts and home. Melvin was ushered into the arms of his parents, Clarence and Iva (Shover) Watson, and was one of five children in his family including his brothers, Clyde, Vick, and Maurice, as well as his sister, Florence. He experienced an upbringing that was not unlike other young people of his day.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Melvin when he met and later married Luella D. Foltz on April 20, 1938, in Manteno. They modeled an ideal marriage in many ways and truth be told, Luella treated Melvin like a king. Together they were blessed with nine children: Melvin “Sonny,” Richard, Robert, David, Melba, Charlene, Loretta, Linda, and Carol. As a father Melvin was second to none as his work always came first in his life. His children were always so excited when he came home from work each day that they ran out to greet him at the curb. He then carried them back in all at one time including one on his shoulders and one draped over each of his legs and arms, too. Melvin’s children loved going out train chasing with him, especially since they each got to have a turn sitting on his lap and driving! He always ate dinner with his family each evening.

The word that seemed to permeate the most in Watson home was fun, and Melvin was the ringleader. On the Fourth of July he usually took the entire family to the garage in Joliet where they would camp out and take in the fireworks. There was also a ritual each morning in which Luella would flash the lights in the front room and Melvin would in turn flash the headlights on his car to say goodbye. He was also famous for leaving a sheet over the television in the morning when he left for work so that he could come home and be able to tell if the kids watched it all day by whether or not it felt warm. The family will never forget their vacation in 1957 with the entire group of ten people in a four door car, driving from the East Coast to the West Coast. Most of them had to sleep on the roadside on blankets – except for the few lucky ones who got to sleep in the car. Melvin had the seats covered with plastic and it was so hot that they all stuck to the seats.

In addition to the fun filled memories Melvin leaves us with, he also leaves behind some of life’s greatest lessons - lessons that were modeled through the way he lived his life. He was a firm believer in being honest and always giving his best to every task that was at hand. Melvin always said that no one ever gave him a handout, but that he worked hard for everything he had. He instilled a strong work ethic in his family and could even be called a workaholic himself as he felt a tremendous need to provide for his family. Melvin owned and operated M&W Disposal in Kankakee during the fifties, and he moved his company to Joliet during the sixties. His working days extended well into his sunset years until just a short time before his death. Melvin passed on a wealth of practical knowledge as well as he saw to it that all the girls and boys kenw how to change the oil in a car, and had a clear understanding of what all his tools were and the purpose they served. He was especially happy when his children organized the garage.

Melvin was a fantastic father who loved being part of his children’s lives, but he especially treasured being a grandfather. He loved to torment the grandchildren, but in a good and fun-loving way, and nearly everyone he knew was a “victim” of Melvin’s teasing at one time or another. Saturdays were special days when it came to spending time with his grandchildren as he took them to Joliet where they drove the bulldozers and dump trucks around the pit.

Although there was nothing of greater importance in Melvin’s life than his family, he was a man of many interests. He loved to read the newspapers from both Kankakee and Joliet and keeping up with the stock market. Melvin loved to travel, went to Alaska during the fifties to look for work, to help rebuild the highway between Alaska, Canda, and the lower 48. He traveled to Greece with Angelo several times. He was also a member of the Union Local 150. When it came time to his favorite foods, Melvin loved tomatoes, corn, and eating at the Chinese Buffet.

We will remember Melvin Watson for his drive to succeed, his warm smile, and his heartfelt laughter, but it will be his unconditional love that we will miss the most. His memory will remain forever near and dear to our hearts.

Melvin F. Watson of Bradley died on July 16, 2011. Melvin’s family incudes his children: Melvin “Sonny” Watson, JR of Bradley, Richard Watson of Bradley, David Watson of Watseka, Melba Morgan of Mesa, AZ, Charlene Day of Kankakee, Loretta (Bob) Mason of Bradley, Linda Estes of Kankakee, Carol (Grant) See of Michigan City, IN; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brother: Maurice “Morie” Shover of Buckingham; and sister: Florence LaReau of Bradley. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife Luella; son, Robert Dale Watson; two brothers, Clyde and Vick Shover; three grandchildren; and one great grandchild. A time for family and friends to gather will be held at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Home, Wednesday, July 20, 2011 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. Celebration of life services will be held Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Bonfield Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.