Michael Leon Watson

On Friday, December 16th, 2022, Michael Leon Watson passed away at the age of 70. Mike was born to Elsie Irene and Carl ("Bud") Watson in Tulsa, OK on October 7th, 1952. Mike grew up in Turley, Oklahoma, and graduated from Tulsa McLain High School in 1970. He developed a love of baseball starting in Junior High and ultimately received a scholarship to play at Conners State College in Warner, OK. Mike enjoyed being busy and had many jobs growing up that gave him experience to be quite the handy man in life. He loved building things and working with his hands, which is probably what led him to working for Rockwell/Boeing in Tulsa most of his life. He even worked on a B1 Bomber! Mike was a tremendous caregiver, caring for his mother for years following her stroke, helping with his brother who suffered from dementia, and helping his niece with anything she needed. Mike was a lover of animals, especially dogs. He never met a dog that didn't want to play. Mike loved telling stories about growing up in Turley and all of the shenanigans he pulled. Over the past year, he shared so many great memories of his childhood and life with his nieces and nephew that gave them a deeper appreciation of their father, John. They were straight out of the Little Rascals! Typical boys who loved getting dirty and finding trouble. Due to baseball injuries, Mike was extremely bowlegged and in pain most of his life. In September 2022, at the insistence of his niece and nephew, he had his first knee replacement surgery that also straightened his leg. He was so tickled he had a straight right leg and finally not in excruciating pain (which he never even complained about). As with most things, he put his all into rehabilitation shocking the doctor and therapists at how quickly he was able to get full motion back in his leg. Two days preceding his death, the right knee was replaced and his leg straightened. He was in awe to have two straight legs for the first time in 50 years. He was so grateful and of course beloved by the nurses and doctors who cared for him. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Bud, his mother, Irene, his sister Naja Hofbauer, his brother, John, and his beloved dog Sadie Mae. He is survived by his nieces, Lindsay Watson and Taylor Orndorff, and his nephew, Travis. Mike had 7 great nieces and nephews he adored. Mike was loved by so many. His life was cut short just as he was getting a new beginning with new legs and reconnected with family. He will always surround us in our hearts and memories. His family and great friends will celebrate his life in Tulsa in February 2023. Donations in his memory can be made to the Tulsa SPCA at www.tulsaspca.org.