Joan Margaret Watson

Joan Margaret Buchman Watson, 85, of Tecumseh, KS, died on Wednesday December 28, 2016 at home.  Joan lived a life of service to others which included working at the Lake Mary Center in Paola, KS for the State of Kansas Crippled Children’s Program.  She was the Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the State of Kansas and then the State of Wyoming and retired as the Director of Community Support Services for the NE Kansas Mental Health Center in Leavenworth, Kansas.  While living in Paola, Joan was an active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church where she served as the Youth Choir Director.  She was a Girl Scout leader for several years and managed to find time to play bridge and belong to a monthly supper club of close friends.  Joan was the first woman to serve on the USD 368 School Board and she later became the first woman School Board President.  She also served as a member of the Kansas State School Board.  For the past 24 years, Joan was an active member of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Topeka.  She belonged to the Guardian Angel women’s Guild of St. Matthew’s and helped serve at countless funeral luncheons over the years.  She especially enjoyed setting up a beautifully presented dessert table.  Joan was a volunteer for many years with Hospice, Catholic Charities and the Shawnee County Friendly Visitor programs.  Joan loved hosting family gatherings over the years, fishing at Lake Jivaro, flying and music.  She was also an avid and enthusiastic KU Basketball and Football fan.  Joan married Donald Watson on May 4, 1957 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Paola.  He preceded her in death on September 28, 2015.  Survivors include her seven children: Paul Watson and his wife Molly of Goddard, KS; Donna Laroux and her husband Greg of Zwolle, LA; Margaret King and her husband Ric of Cheyenne, WY; David Watson and his wife Shelly of Hinsdale, IL; Jeff Watson and his wife Pam of Topeka, KS; Jim Watson of Scranton, KS; Matthew Watson and his wife Alyson of Ft. Worth, TX.  She also leaves behind seventeen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  Two brothers, Dr. Robert Buchman of Lincoln, NE and Carl Buchman of Paola, KS and a sister, Marie Cook of Portland, OR also survive.  Joan was cremated and a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday January 4, 2017 at 10:30 am at St. Matthew Catholic Church.  A Parish Rosary will be prayed at 9:00 am and Joan’s family will greet friends from 9:30 am until the time of the service.  The graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery in Paola.  A reception for family and friends will be held after the graveside service at 119 S. Pearl St. in Paola.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Catholic Relief Services or Children’s Cancer c/o American Cancer Society sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS  66603.  Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.