Born in Austin, Texas on Jan. 13, 1952
Departed on Jan. 25, 2011 and resided in Austin, TX.

Earl Watson was born on January 13, 1952 in Austin, Texas to Chester Watson, Sr. and Pearl Evelyn Hart Watson.

Earl accepted Christ as Savior at an early age at the Mount Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend H. A. Sneed. He received his formal education in the Austin Independent School District, and was a graduate of Johnson High School.

Earl worked construction for a short while after high school, but found his niche in life in 1980 when he joined the Austin Fire Department working at Stations 17 and 24 on the B-Shift. Fire Fighter Watson was a part of the Engine 29B Family for over 15 years and it was from there that he retired in February, 2010. Fire Fighter Watson was a member of the Benevolent Fund.

Earl was preceded in death by his mother Pearl E. Watson and two sisters, Betty J. Briscoe-Watson and Marilyn Watson.

Earl is survived by his father, Chester Watson, Sr. (Vivian); his children, Christina De La Cruz-Craig (Dominic), Gilbert E. De La Cruz (Monica), Brittany L. Watson, Tiffany P. Watson, Earl Watson II, Autumn N. Washington, Jamie S. Watson; his grandchildren, Alyssa I. De La Cruz, Kayson M. Craig, Reyes De La Cruz, Evan C. Craig, Jordan De La Cruz; his siblings, Chester Watson Jr., Gloria Watson, Michael Watson, Rev. Gerald Watson; and his nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.