Robert Syndey "Bob" Watson

Robert Sydney "Bob" Watson left us on September 28, 2022. Born July 24, 1941 in Jay, Okla. Father Wilbur Watson; mother Irma Watson. Survived by his brother, Don Watson and Don's companion Laura Menees; nephew, Evan Watson; and grand-niece Trinity Watson, all of Fayetteville; and numerous cousins. The family moved to Springdale in 1947 and to Fayetteville in 1954, where he graduated from FHS in 1959. Later he moved to Oklahoma City, where he became a claims adjuster for the Aetna Life insurance company and married a girl there. Transferring to New Orleans with Aetna, he discovered his greatest passion – food and cooking. Arriving in Arkansas, he became a life insurance agent with a national company, and during this period he joined the Fort Smith Jaycees and became president of the state of Arkansas chapter. After leaving the insurance business he became the Arkansas Godfather's Pizza franchise overall manager. Eventually he became the owner of a Bar and Grill in Springdale called Bob and Shorty's. When asked who's Shorty, he replied that Shorty was his fictional partner and whenever anyone had a complaint he would refer them to Shorty. He then had a short stint as partner in the Hush Puppy restaurant. After that he became a long haul truck driver with Willis Shaw for 15 years, which led to his retirement due to the increasing disability, Ankylosing Spondylitis, which had affected him since his late 30s. Losing his ability to drive, he later decided he would try an electric 3-wheeler called an ELF in order to get around and not be dependent upon others to drive him. That vehicle would serve him well in his need to be independent. While gardening at the family's house he fell and broke his leg and had surgery that became infected and the leg never healed properly, so now not only was he unable to straighten up due to the Spondylitis, he had a leg that didn't work well. But, that didn't slow him down either as he continued to take part in family reunions, celebrations, class reunions and a brotherhood of guys that met regularly for an afternoon of BS and beer. Bob probably had more injuries than a rodeo cowboy and so far as anyone knows he never complained and always had a funny story to tell. In lieu of flowers Bob would like donations to the Spondylitis Association of America https://spondylitis.org/get-involved/donate/ Bob has made an anatomical donation to the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine to further their research and teaching. There will be a gathering Saturday October 22, starting at 1 p.m. at the On The Mark Bar and Grill, 2588 N Gregg in Fayetteville.