Raymond Lewis Watson, 86, of rural Montezuma passed away at his home, on the farm, on Saturday, July 29th, 2023, in the care of family and Unity Point Hospice.  Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

Raymond was born June 3, 1937, to Lewis and Lucille (Bryan) Watson in Grinnell, Iowa.  Raymond graduated in 1955 from Searsboro High School. He was united in marriage to Mary Jo Hasley September 2, 1955.  Raymond and Mary Jo farmed around the Searsboro and Montezuma area their entire lives.  They were blessed with four children: Ann, Karol, Brian, and Mark.

Raymond's passion was farming.  He enjoyed every aspect from working the land to caring for livestock. He loved the land and was an early adopter of conservation practices.  He and Mary Jo also loved to ride their Harley-Davidson for years and traveled with friends to many states from the Pacific Coast to the Florida Keys as well as Canada.  Raymond was a man of deep faith, and his first impulse was to pray.  He was caring and unselfish and always ready and willing to help others.  He will be remembered for being approachable and for his kind and gentle nature.

Raymond is survived by his four children and their spouses, Ann Marie Watson, Karol Kay Watson, Brian and Dawn Watson, and Mark and Vonna Watson; his 13 grandchildren Rachel Perez, Rebekah (Ben) Fogt, Derek Ebert, Andy Rockwell, Josh (Laura) Rockwell, David (Taylor) Rockwell, Brianne Watson, Paige Watson, Camden (Brittany) Watson, Ryan Watson, Jacob (Samantha) Watson, Abigail (Lance) Johnston, and Samantha Watson; and 15 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Lu Watson; brother Bill (Diane) Watson; sisters Rilla (Ronnie) Baker, Martha (Don) Vos, LuAnne (Mike) Dean; sisters-in-law Barb (Gene) Long, Carolyn Jontz; brother-in-law Wayne (Ruth) Hasley; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Raymond was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mary Jo Watson; his parents, Lewis and Lucile Watson; brother, Robert Watson in infancy, brother, Freddy Watson; brothers-in-law, Ray (LeAnn) Hasley, David Jontz; and sisters-in-law LeAnn Hasley, Eleanor Hasley in infancy.