Leon Milne Watson, prominent St. George pharmacist, musician, and athlete, passed away November 23, 1991, at the Dixie Regional Medical Center, following a heart attack.
He was born May 24, 1926 in St. George, the fourth and youngest child of Daniel Clark and Anna (Nan) Milne Watson. He graduated from Dixie High School as a star athlete and musician, receiving the Region Six Most Valuable Player basketball award in 1943. He then attended Stanford University for one year before serving in the U.S. Navy as a Pharmacists Mate during World War II.He continued pharmacy studies at the University of Utah, where he also won acclaim as a forward on the Utah Utes basketball team. As third highest scorer in the conference, and after the Utes won the conference title, he was named to the all-Conference team in 1947. The team participated in the National Invitational Tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York and won the national title that year. Leon also enjoyed a fine reputation as a baseball player. He endeared himself to many young athletes in St. George by his example and coaching expertise. He was actively involved with the local pentathlon programs, Little League and Whiz Kids basketball programs.
He married Barbara Jane Wilson on November 21, 1947 in Salt Lake City. They lived there
until Leon received his pharmacy degree from the University of Utah in 1951, after which they moved to St. George. He has been owner/operator of the Dixie Drug since 1955.
With his passing ends the oldest continuous
existence (over 77 years) of a pharmacy owned by one family in the State of Utah. His father opened Dixie Drug in 1914.
Leon was the first president of the St. George Kiwanis Club, President of the Dixie College Colonels Club, organizer of the St. George Little League program, and originator of the Sun Bowl Fireworks on July 4th. As a civic-minded citizen, he served on the St. George City Council for four years.
During the 1960's and 1970's, leon played for many weddings and dances in a musical trio with Ron Haslam and Ron Garner. As a crowd-pleaser on his snare drums in high school, and playing in a fife and drum corps, it was easy for him to create enthusiasm in the organization of the "Royal and Ancient Non-Marching Band," which group has entertained in parades, assemblies, programs and concerts.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was currently serving as Executive Secretary to the Bishop in the St. George Third Ward.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara, St. George; one son and one daughter, David Leon Watson, J.D., St. George; and Mrs. Stanley C. (Tracy) Winward, M.D., Salt Lake City; seven grandchildren, Heather Watson, Darlen Conn.; Alisha, Sharise, Jeffrey, Julie and Andrea Watson, St. George; Chad Winward, Salt Lake City.
Also surviving are two sisters and one brother, Mrs. Virgil C. (LaRen) Snow, Fresno, Calif.; Mrs. Robert F. (Wetona) Edwards, Hillsborough, Calif.; and Daniel C. Watson, St. George.
He was preceded in death by one son, Kyle Richard Watson.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, November 27, at 2:00 p.m., in the St. George Third Ward Chapel, 200 West 500 North. Friends may call at Spilsbury Desert Rose Memorial Chapel, Tuesday, 7-9 p.m. and from 12 noon until time os services at the chapel on Wednesday. Burial will be in the St. George Cemetery.
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