Drage Hall "Bud" Watson

Drage Hall “Bud” Watson (August 23, 1932 – February 4, 2025)

Drage (“Call me Bud”) was born to Thelma and Drage Watson in Vernon, Michigan, joined later by his sister Clarice. Bud grew up in Vernon and attended Owasso High School where he wrestled and was in drama, graduating in 1950.

Bud went to Michigan State University, graduating in 1954 with a BA in speech therapy and then joined the US Air Force. He was stationed in Roswell, New Mexico and was with the Air Force from 1954 – 1956.

In 1955 he married Diane Schuster of Milwaukee, whom he had met while at Michigan State University. He continued his education, receiving an MA in education and speech therapy in 1957. The newlyweds moved to Albuquerque where Bud worked as a teacher, counselor, principal, and assistant superintendent for the Albuquerque school district. He received his PhD in education from the University of New Mexico in 1967.

In 1968 the family, which now included Kristen, Stephen and Amy, moved to Lubbock, Texas, where Bud was an associate professor at Texas Tech. In 1973 the Watson family moved to Redlands, California, where, at the University of Redlands, Bud took a position first as a professor and later director at the School of Education, eventually becoming director of pupil personnel service and director of thesis advising.

Upon retiring, Bud continued serving the education community by becoming a student teacher advisor for many years. He enjoyed gardening with his grandchildren, anecdotal writing, and dabbling in art. Bud and Daine travelled often, the Pacific Coast being a favorite.

Bud is survived by Diane, his wife of 69 years, his children Kristy, Stephen (Pam), and Amy (Sean), eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial Service will be held at Faith Lutheran in Yucaipa, 12449 California Street, on Saturday, March 8th at 11:00 a.m.