DL Capt. Joe Franklin “Frank” Watson

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF, DL Capt. Joe Franklin “Frank” Watson

May 12, 1939 ~ April 22, 2021

 

Notification with the passing of Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta pilot Captain Frank Watson, age 81.  Captain Watson joined Delta Air Lines 01-06-1969 and retired with Delta based 030/DFW.  He is survived by his wife Peggy, his children and his grandchildren.

Obituary information is available online at the funeral home website:

https://www.waldofuneralhome.com/obituary/frank-watson  also at

https://www.heralddemocrat.com/obituaries/p0127735

For those who may wish to contact the family, whitepages lists a current address as

2601 W Cascade Drive, Sherman, TX 75092.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary :  Captain Joe Franklin Watson

Waldo Funeral Home - Sherman TX

Frank Watson, 81, was welcomed into Heaven surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at 11:47 pm. A small, family graveside service was held at Friendship Cemetery in Sherman, TX. on Sunday morning, April 25, 2021. As if God knew his family needed some extra encouragement that morning, his service ended in church bells ringing and a flock of beautiful white birds flying in formation overhead. 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/226147448/joe-franklin-watson  

Frank was born in Nashville, Arkansas on May 12, 1939, the youngest of two sons born to Herma Pate and William Ordis Watson. He attended and graduated from Nashville High School in Arkansas and later attended and graduated with honors from the University of Arkansas in 1962. He was granted an appointment into the Air Force Academy, but because of the untimely death of his father, he made the decision to stay close to home to help his mother with the family business. Following his college graduation, he entered Officer Training School in the US Air Force.

 

While in pilot training in Enid, OK, he met his future bride at church, Peggy Ann Lee. They married on December 22, 1963 and began their service in the Air Force at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA.

 

Frank earned his way up the ranks to Captain. He was a gifted pilot and used his skills to train pilots during the Vietnam War era.  Upon completion of six years in the USAF, Frank made the decision to fly commercially. He was hired by Delta Airlines in 1968 and was based out of Dallas, TX . He flew for 26 years. It was during this time that they moved their family to Sherman, TX, where they raised their children.

 

During his tenure at Delta, he captained many aircraft. His teaching skills were also recognized commercially as he was a designated check pilot. He retired as Captain on the Boeing 767.

 

His career ended too early at the age of 54 due to underlining heart conditions, but he and Peggy enjoyed their retirement years traveling with his brother Bill Watson, Jr. and wife, Marva and her sister Linda and husband, Ron Chlipala. There were many cruises and trips overseas that kept them busy and happy. They especially enjoyed spending time with their children, grandchildren and nieces, Stephanie Chlipala Tan and Elizabeth Chlipala. They also loved spending time with their church friends and their Bridge group.

 

Frank and Peggy's marriage was gifted with three daughters, their husbands, five grandchildren and one granddaughter-in-law.

 

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and brother. He is survived by his wife, daughters, their families and other close, extended family members. Peggy Ann Lee Watson; Andrea W. and Curry Vogelsang Drew and wife, Lauren Vogelsang; Jennifer W. and Mike McAda, Jared McAda and Jordan McAda; Katie W. and Brian Ricci, Sophia Ricci and Nina Ricci.

 

Frank's spiritual guidance for his family is a legacy that lives on. His love for his Lord and Savior was evidenced in how he lived his life. Frank was always giving of himself, whether it was physically, spiritually or monetarily. He left an exampled life in how to "pay it forward" and how to extend a helping hand whenever needed. Frank and Peggy were long time members of First Baptist Church in Sherman, but in recent years were found worshiping in their neighborhood church of Western Heights Church of Christ.

 

A sweet realization for his family came as they witnessed Frank earning his Heavenly wings on the same day in April that he soloed for his earthly pilot wings. April 22 is indeed a very special day in the life of Joe Franklin Watson. We know that Frank is now living his best life at the feet of Jesus and we all look forward to seeing him again one day.