WINTERPORT – Joseph R. Watson, 69, passed away Feb. 13, 2007, surrounded by his family at a Bangor hospital. He was born Nov. 8, 1937, in Rumford, the son of Irving and Margaret (Roy) Watson. Joe graduated from Mexico High School, 1955; Maine Central Institute, 1956; and attended St. Michael’s College, where he was on the second in the nation basketball team for small colleges. He transferred to Farmington State Teachers College his junior year where he graduated in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in education. He later earned his Master of Science degree in administration from the University of Maine – Orono. Joe started his career in education in MSAD No. 21 and spent eight years teaching and coaching. He taught at Dixfield Regional High School from 1961 to 1965. Joe then served as a teaching principal at the Dixfield Grammar School from 1965 to 1969. During the years 1961-1969, he coached high school girls’ varsity level sports. His ladies won many games in field hockey and softball. He was Dixfield’s first girls’ basketball coach. Throughout the years, he kept in touch with many of his former players and felt a part of their lives, as he was always invited to return to their class reunions. Joe later moved to Winterport where he spent 19 years as principal of the Leroy H. Smith School. He finished his career in Deer Isle-Stonington as their elementary principal for two years. In 1990, he retired from education, but not to stay idle as the year he left Winterport in 1988 he was elected to MSAD No. 22 School Board, where he had served for 18 years up until his death. He also served on the United Technical College Board and WCAP Board, Belfast. Joe established the Winterport Recreation Committee, as well as, being instrumental in getting the Winterport Park established. For a number of years he was instrumental in She was predeceased by her parents; two brothers, Lewis and Ervin Barnes; and three sisters, Hazel Kelley, Mamie Berry and Gladys Syring. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Friday at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 9, from the chapel of Mockler Funeral Home with the Rev. John Kiehn, pastor, officiating. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mildred may do so through Caribou United Baptist Church Memorial Fund. Envelopes may be obtained through the funeral home. Online condolences at www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
JOSEPH R. WATSON
