Clifford Watson

Clifford Carl Watson, age 74, son of James and Alta Watson of Indiana, PA. passed away peacefully on June 1, 2023, in Knoxville Tennessee due to a stroke. Cliff was a 1967 graduate of Marion Center High School and a 1974 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He was proud to be a 2016 Distinguished Alumnus and enjoyed his continued communication with the university over the past few years. After graduation he worked for ALCOA in Texas and Washington, Martin Marietta Aerospace, New Orleans, and Department of Energy in Oak Ridge Tennessee. He was President of HASP INC, a family owned company, as well as being an certified OSHA instructor and one of the first Certified Safety Professionals in the US. When the Challenger explosion occurred, he was asked to come to work to help with the investigation. That led to a position with Bastion Enterprises in Huntsville Alabama and into his work with NASA. No one in this world loved his job more than Cliff and he worked on many Space Shuttle missions dealing with the propulsion systems. In 1988 he was thrilled to receive the Silver Snoopy Award from Dave Hillman, NASA astronaut. His final mission was working with Bastion and NASA on the Commercial Crew Program Load and Go Assessment Team. He was able to see the US return to flight mission accomplished. Retirement did not suit Cliff, so he continued to work part time on projects for the future MARS missions and Return to the Moon. Cliff is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 53 years, Peggy Sink Watson. Mourning his loss are his sons, James Watson (Tiffanie), Walker LA, Brian Watson Knoxville TN and honorary son, Ron Suman (Denise) of Austin TX. He proudly spoke to anyone who would listen about his granddaughters, Emily Barnes (Joshua) of White House TN, Madeline Watson, Walker LA and Ilea Watson, Walker LA. and Great grandson, Isaiah Barnes of White House TN. They will always be the light of his life. Also survived by his sister Mary Stormer, TX, brothers Barry Watson (Judy), Indiana PA, and Richard Watson (BettyAnn) Indiana PA. as well as several nieces and one grandniece. Cliffs family wishes to thank the staff at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and Hospice in Knoxville, the wonderful neighbors on Ilex circle and Rich, his baby brother for his continuous support and love over the years. A brief service will be held on Saturday June 10, 2023, at Rose Funeral and Cremation- Mann from 3-5 pm. Please dress casually and if you have a funny story about Cliff, and there are many, feel free to share. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The Foundation for IUP, Breezedale Alumni Center, 880 School Street, Indiana PA 15705, or online at www.alumni.iup.edu and click on Give Now fund number 0207. This Churchill quote sums up Cliffs life: “I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter. “

Tributes

Clifford Watson

March 14, 1949 - June 1, 2023