Grant R. Watson

Grant Watson of Caro, age 93, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2013 at McLaren Bay Region in Bay City, following a lengthy illness. Grant was born July 11, 1920 in Cass City, the son of the late Ben and Iva (Robinson) Watson. He was a Cass City High School graduate and then served in the U.S. Army. On January 2, 1940 he was united in marriage with the former Helen Beyette, and she preceded him in death on December 9, 1989. Following his service in the Army, Grant returned to the farm, then worked as a milkman, then at Cargo Oil, and until his retirement was an employee of the Village of Caro. For thirty-four years he also operated Grant Watson Starting Gate. He was a member of the Caro United Methodist Church and enjoyed horse racing, refinishing furniture and clerking for Albrecht Auction Service. Grant is survived by two daughters, Patty Woodard of Caro, Penny Rickwalt and Bob Miller of Bois Blanc Island; four grandchildren, Tammy and David Beauchamp of Bay City, Tim and Debbie Woodard of Paris, Marc and Norma Rickwalt of Caro, Sukie Rickwalt of Davison; his great grandchildren, Aaron Beauchamp, Alexis Beauchamp, Chelsae and Tyler Burk, Cody Rickwalt, Alaina Woodard, Brianna Woodard and Trevor Grant Woodard; several nieces and nephews; one sister-in-law, Elaine Watson of Bad Axe; and all of his special caregivers. In addition to his parents and wife, Grant was preceded in death by two sisters and their husbands, Betty and Wilfred Miller, Shirley and Bob Bader; a brother, Ben Watson; and two sons-in-law, Dean Rickwalt and George Woodard. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2013 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home with Rev. Gregg Mayberry officiating. Burial will be in the Indianfields Township Cemetery in Caro at a later date. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 4:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or Multiple Sclerosis. Visitation Information Date: Sunday, December 29, 2013 Time: 1:00 pm End Time: 4:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 4:00 p.m. Service Information Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2013 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home with Rev. Gregg Mayberry.