William "Gene" Eugene Watson, 74, of Belton, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. Funeral services were held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Interment in the  Freeman Cemetery,  Freeman, MO. 

Gene graduated from Koshkonong High School in 1969 and went on to build a strong work ethic throughout his life. He spent 19 years working for Westinghouse/Philips Lighting Company, then on to Nitto Denko Automotive where he retired after 21 years of dedicated service.

Gene found joy in the simple things like hunting, fishing, just being outdoors, family gatherings, playing Candy Crush and scrolling on Facebook. He especially enjoyed spending treasured time with his granddaughters, who meant the world to him.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Marsha; his daughter, Billie; as well as, his two adored granddaughters, Alyssa and Adison. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Ruth (Waymon) Watson and Patsy (Carl) Watson. Gene was blessed with many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Letha Watson; his sisters: Marie Keltner, Ruth Herring, and Alice Watson; his brothers: Waymon Watson, Ray Watson, and Carl Watson; and his half-siblings: Viola Ganley, Naomi Holman, Leta Watson, Ella Crews, Lucille Brewer, Elvin Watson, and Wayne Watson.