SR0270 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0270 LRB102 18312 ECR 26051 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Monsignor William A. Watson of Odell, who passed away on April 27, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Monsignor Watson was born to Jarlath M. and Lucille M. (Johnson) Watson in Pontiac on March 9, 1936; he graduated from St. Paul High School in 1954; he attended St. Bede Prep Seminary in Peru, Illinois for two years and graduated from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein in 1962; he was ordained by Bishop John B. Franz in Peoria in June of 1962; and

WHEREAS, Monsignor Watson's first parish assignment was at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rock Island; there, he served as parochial vicar under Father Frank Casey; in 1969, he was assigned to St. John's Newman Center in Champaign where he assisted Monsignor Edward Duncan until 1981; at that time, he became pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle in Peoria Heights; he remained pastor there until receiving his senior status in 2015 and then retired to Odell; and

WHEREAS, Monsignor Watson embodied the true measure of a priest, and his commitment to people was the hallmark of his ministry; he was compassionate and kind and made a deep mark on those who knew him; his gentle leadership attracted a vibrant and flourishing community of faith at St. Thomas, where he oversaw the addition of St. Thomas School, an enlarged worship space, and a new rectory; he will especially be remembered for his Irish wit and humor and for the love he had for family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Monsignor Watson was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Bud Verdun; and

WHEREAS, Monsignor Watson is survived by his one sister, Catherine (Bud) Verdun; his three brothers, John (Peg) Watson, Joe (Caroline) Watson, and Jim (Linda) Watson; his 16 nieces and nephews; and his 51 great-nieces and great-nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Monsignor William A. Watson and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Monsignor Watson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.