Benjamin Howell Watson

Benjamin Howell Watson, 23, of 403 Andromeda Terrace NE, Leesburg, VA, formerly of Meadville, died suddenly of natural causes Friday, August 5, 2005 at his residence.

He was born in Springfield, IL, December 3, 1981, a son of the late Dr. Thomas Meister Watson and Debra Arthur Watson.

He graduated from Meadville Area Senior High School in June 2000.  He then attended Allegheny College, Meadville, graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art with a minor in History.  He was awarded the Foster B. Doane Prize for both the Outstanding Senior Project in Studio Art as well as for Painting/Drawing.  He was employed by the History Division of Primedia Publishing in Leesburg, VA as a picture editor.

Survivors, in addition to his mother, include: one sister, Gretchen Garrett Watson and one brother, James Meister Watson all of Meadville; a maternal grandmother, Norma Arthur of Roanoke, VA and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father and paternal grandparents.

The memorial service will be Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 2 p.m. in Ford Chapel, Allegheny College, N. Main Street, Meadville with the Rev. Timothy Solomon, Pastor of Emmanuel United Church of Christ, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Crawford County Humane Society, 11012 Kennedy Hill Road, Meadville, PA 16335.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA 16335.