Richard "Bud" E. Watson
Richard E. “Bud” Watson, 86, of Torrington, WY passed away surrounded by his four children on Sunday, Jan 15, 2023. Cremation has taken place.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Jan 20th at 2:00pm at First Wyoming United Presbyterian Church in Torrington, WY and burial will take place at a later date.
Bud was born Aug 20, 1936 in Lingle, Wyoming to Agnes (Jones) and Walter Watson. He graduated from Lingle in 1955 and went on to attend Goshen County Community College where he received his AA. He married Virginia Halstead of Torrington Wyoming on June 30, 1957 at the Torrington Methodist Church. Bud and Virginia lived in Lusk, WY before moving to Denver where he learned the refrigeration and air conditioning trade which became his career.
The family moved back to Torrington in 1966 and started Watson’s Refrigeration. In the early 70’s, Bud took his career into teaching at Eastern Wyoming College where he started the college refrigeration vocational program. During this time Bud was active in Jaycees and in May 1971 joined the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department. While in the fire department he held many roles including Fire Chief during the 80’s and early 90’s. One of his favorite activities was helping to restore the 1934 Ford fire engine.
Bud’s love for nature and hunting was instilled in him by his grandfather and father which he passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as a family tradition. Many memorable days were made at the Running Water Ranch outside of Lusk as well as sitting in the goose pit. The only thing Bud loved more than hunting was his love for his Lord and Savior. Bud was very active in the All-Saints Episcopal Church, De Colores, and Saints and Sinners. Even as busy as he was, Bud was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Shortly after their 50th wedding anniversary, Virginia passed. Within the next year, one of Bud’s great granddaughters was diagnosed with leukemia. Seeing the financial and emotional stress this put on families, Bud’s vision for Gracie’s Promise was started by monies granted by “The seed” - a Foundation for the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming. At the time of his passing, Gracie’s Promise has provided support to over 100 families in need.
Bud was an accomplished local artist and active with the Southeast Art
Association. His paintings were another source of his giving heart and have been used to raise money for numerous charities in and around Wyoming.
Bud is survived by his four children, daughter Brenda (Bill) Vance of Torrington, WY, daughter Helen (Dan) Doherty of Douglasville, GA, daughter Karen Moore of Ellenton FL and son David (Jodi) Watson of Hebron, KY; 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; brother Raymond (Della) Watson, brother Bill (Betty) Watson and brother-in-law Jim Farmer. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, nephew, and sister Shirley Farmer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gracie’s Promise.