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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
3to learn of the death of Monsignor William A. Watson of Odell,
4who passed away on April 27, 2021; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Monsignor Watson was born to Jarlath M. and
6Lucille M. (Johnson) Watson in Pontiac on March 9, 1936; he
7graduated from St. Paul High School in 1954; he attended St.
8Bede Prep Seminary in Peru, Illinois for two years and
9graduated from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein in
101962; he was ordained by Bishop John B. Franz in Peoria in June
11of 1962; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Monsignor Watson's first parish assignment was at
13St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rock Island; there, he served as
14parochial vicar under Father Frank Casey; in 1969, he was
15assigned to St. John's Newman Center in Champaign where he
16assisted Monsignor Edward Duncan until 1981; at that time, he
17became pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle in Peoria Heights; he
18remained pastor there until receiving his senior status in
192015 and then retired to Odell; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Monsignor Watson embodied the true measure of a
21priest, and his commitment to people was the hallmark of his
22ministry; he was compassionate and kind and made a deep mark on

 

 

SR0270- 2 -LRB102 18312 ECR 26051 r

1those who knew him; his gentle leadership attracted a vibrant
2and flourishing community of faith at St. Thomas, where he
3oversaw the addition of St. Thomas School, an enlarged worship
4space, and a new rectory; he will especially be remembered for
5his Irish wit and humor and for the love he had for family and
6friends; and
 
7    WHEREAS, Monsignor Watson was preceded in death by his
8brother-in-law, Bud Verdun; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Monsignor Watson is survived by his one sister,
10Catherine (Bud) Verdun; his three brothers, John (Peg) Watson,
11Joe (Caroline) Watson, and Jim (Linda) Watson; his 16 nieces
12and nephews; and his 51 great-nieces and great-nephews;
13therefore, be it
 
14    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL
15ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
16Monsignor William A. Watson and extend our sincere condolences
17to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be
18it further
 
19    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
20presented to the family of Monsignor Watson as an expression
21of our deepest sympathy.