E. H. Watson
E. H. (Eramus Herman) Watson, 73, one of Hunt County's well-known educators, died Friday, September 16, 1960, at 5:15 PM, in a Commerce hospital.
Mr. Watson received his early education in the Palestine public schools and Alexander Junior College, now Lon Morris Junior College. He had served as principal of schools in Lone Oak, Quinlan, and Celeste. In 1915 - 1917, he was a teacher and registrar of Wesley College. He ably served Celeste as superintendent from 1919 to 1926.
In 1926, Mr. Watson received his BA degree from East Texas Sate College and in 1928, he received his MA degree from Southern Methodist University. In 1928, he became director of the demonstration school on campus of East Texas State College, a position he held until retiring in 1955 due to failing health.
Mr. Watson served under all five presidents of ETSC. First, under the late W. L. Mayo as a student. Then, as a member of the faculty, under the late R. B. Binion, the late S. H. Whitley, and A. C. Ferguson, and James G. Gee. In November, 1950 more than five hundred former demonstration school students honored Mr. Watson at a class reunion and homecoming.
A charter member of the Commerce Kiwanis Club, he also held memberships in the Phi Delta Kappa, national Society for the Study of Education, Texas State Teachers Association, and life membership in the National Education Association. He had been a member of the Methodist Church since childhood.
Born August 1, 1887, in Jacksonville, Texas, he was the son of James S. Watson and Mattie Heermans Watson. Shortly after his birth, he moved with his family to San Marcos and at the age of five years, he moved to Palestine to make his home with his grandparents.
Mr. Watson and Johnnie Jerline Roach were married on April 7, 1922, in Dallas. Mrs. Watson, also a school teacher, preceded her husband in death on April 13, 1960. Their only daughter, Jerry Sue Watson, died unexpectedly on January 16, 1943.
The Rev. G. C. Randolph will officiate at the 2:30 PM funeral services on Sunday, September 18, 1960, in the W. Y. Goff Chapel. Burial will be in Rosemound.
Survivors include a cousin, Mrs. G. S. Fox of Beaumont; two brothers-in-law, W. T. Roach of Robert Lee, Texas and W. R. Roach of Celeste.
Pallbearers will be Robert Baker, George Kibler, Dr. J. E. Franklin, C. A. Deonier, Dr. Frank Young, and Dr. A. S. Blankenship.
The W. Y. Goff Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
(September 18, 1960, The Greenville Herald Banner)
Submitted by Sarah Swindell
