William “Ed” Watson, 93, of Beaumont, died Monday, February 2, 2015, at Oakridge Assisted Living Home, Beaumont. He was born on November 29, 1921, in Norman, Oklahoma, to E.B. Watson and Lily Irene Hickman Watson, and had been a longtime resident of Beaumont.

Ed grew up during both the Dust Bowl and Depression in rural Oklahoma, his family having to move frequently due to poverty and the historic hard times during that era of American history. His family eventually moved to Dallas, Texas where he graduated from Dallas Technical High School.

Ed joined the United States Navy with dreams of becoming a pilot and completed basic flight training before transferring to the United States Army Air Corps, Eighth Air Force, “The Mighty 8th”, where he became a Lieutenant and served as a pilot of the B-17 “Flying Fortress” in World War II. After the war he continued to enjoy flying and flew many cross-country trips with his hunting and fishing buddies.

He began his banking career in the late 1940's under the tutelage of legendary Texas banker, Hugh Echols, Jr., at Citizens Bank and Trust in Baytown, Texas. Through hard work and long hours he learned banking from the bottom rung of the ladder. In 1959 he moved his family to Beaumont, Texas to open Gateway National Bank where he was named President and Chairman of the Board and remained so until his retirement in 1987. Under his stewardship he helped train many bankers who are still serving the citizens of Southeast Texas and beyond. Gateway Bank was consistently among the top performing banks in the state of Texas. More than anything else, Ed took pride in the success of his bank and his staff. Ed Watson was the embodiment of the American work ethic and the “self made” man rising from poverty and limited education to succeed both personally and professionally.

After retirement, Ed traveled the world hunting, fishing, and taking photographs. He enjoyed a long, successful, and healthy life, often coming to the aid of lifelong friends in the times of their need. His honesty, fairness, and devotion to friends and family is legendary.

Ed is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Stephen 'doc' Watson of Beaumont; daughter, Sylvia Jeanne of Atlanta, Georgia; step-daughter, Michelle Laurent-Pratt of Bradenton, Florida; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Betsy Hale Watson, two brothers, and two sisters.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Loretta Young, Oakridge Assisted Living Home, and Altus Hospice for providing assistance during Ed’s final journey. More than anyone else, his beloved wife, Mary, loved, nurtured, and cared for Ed as the sun set on the final season of his life. Ed faced his final days with the same confidence and honesty as he lived his life.

A gathering of Mr. Watson’s family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2015, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 2:00p.m., Saturday, February 7, 2015, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Southeast Texas Veterans Service Group, P.O. Box 12352, Beaumont, Texas 77726.