Kirk Watson's Obituary
Kirk WatsonBorn October 21, 1957Borne into eternal life June 9, 2019Kirk Watson was born in Dallas and raised in Richardson along with his brothers Edgar and Roy. Kirk’s family and friends called him “Kirk”, but when his mother called him “Claude Kirk Watson”, he knew he was in trouble. Kirk graduated from Richardson High School in 1976. During his High School years, Kirk competed in both water skiing and in gymnastics. He attended North Texas State University. He completed his Associate’s degree at Blinn College in 2010.In 1980 Kirk’s passion for scuba diving led him to spend 15 years in the industry, leading numerous dive trips to places to like Mexico. Belize, Honduras, and other destinations.A man of wide-ranging interests, Kirk was involved in many different careers. He owned and operated AAA Pool Leak Detection for 7 years.In 1993, while working at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Kirk met Janelle Braun, who also worked at Presbyterian. It was love at first sight for Kirk, and “love at first date” for Janelle. Kirk and Janelle were married on January 22, 1994. They shared a love of travel, and took opportunities to see many places around the world, including a memorable 1998 trip to England, Scotland and Wales with both of their moms. Kirk and Janelle returned to London again in 2000.In 2010 Kirk became a licensed home inspector, the career from which he retired in December of 2018.Boats were very popular in Kirk’s family when he was growing up, and a love for boating took root in Kirk’s heart deeply and early – whether it was sailing,power-boating, or skiing, Kirk loved everything about boats. He and Janelle owned three boats over the years of their marriage. Family and friends have loved boating with Kirk on Lake Lewisville, Lake Texoma, Lake Ray Hubbard, and Lake Placid in Seguin.In later years, Kirk delighted in the opportunity to reconnect with his fellow alumni of Richardson High School. He had a gift of friendship, a joy for living, and a laugh that was contagious.Kirk was passionate about theatre and the arts, and enjoyed seeing shows in London’s West End, in Houston and in Dallas. Among his favorites were “Les Miserables”, “Phantom of the Opera” and “Wicked”. He was also passionate about spending time whenever possible with young people: nieces, nephews, extended family, and the children of friends, who frequently became “adopted” members of Kirk’s family.Kirk had an enormous heart for serving and helping others. Many people could tell stories of Kirk taking the time to figure out and fix problems for friends and family, probably saving thousands of dollars for a variety of people. He sponsored and supported various events and non-profits. A partial list of ministries and causes to which Kirk gave himself would include Equipping Network, which he served as a Board member; Homes for Heroes, Stronghold Ministries, Mercy Childcare, Global Advance, and Keller Williams International Red Day.His love of serving and love of travel led Kirk and Janelle to take two Mission trips, in the fall of 2013 and spring of 2016. They traveled with Dennis and Jill Eenigenburg to Uganda, where Kirk threw his energies into painting churches, establishing an infirmary, providing medications, and bringing laptop computers for a computer lab. In October 2017, Kirk and Janelle also traveled to Italy on a Vision trip with Dennis and Jill to help support the Heart of Marriage Seminars.As a young man, Kirk found and embraced a deep and passionate trust in Jesus Christ. His faith influenced every area of his life: marriage, career, friendships, and service.When Kirk faced a diagnosis of cancer, he brought the same faith to this challenge. It is because of his abiding confidence in the love of Christ that so many of his family and friends find strength and comfort in the certainty that we too, through faith in Jesus Christ, will be reunited with Kirk when we follow him through the threshold that awaits us. Our response can only be “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)Kirk was preceded in death by his father Edgar Louis Watson, aunt Claudette Watson Patterson, nephew David Kieschnick, and grandparents Roy and Ona Wilson and Claude and Mattie Belle Watson. He is survived by his beloved wife Janelle Braun, mother Mary Elisabeth Watson, brothers Edgar Louis Watson Jr. and Roy David Watson, and countless beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.Kirk’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 2:30PM in the Memorial Chapel of Restland Funeral Home.
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