Ken Watson

Wade Kenneth "Ken" Watson, Jr., 85, of Asheboro, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at his home.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro, with Rev. Mark Beane and Pastor Blake Hinson officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, with military honors by the Randolph County Honor Guard.

Born in Guilford Co., NC on October 4, 1940, Ken was the son of the late Wade Kenneth Watson, Sr. and Catherine Elizabeth Cox Watson. He was a proud graduate of Jamestown High School, class of 1958. Ken honorably served in the US Army, serving most of his time in Europe, in Sinop, Turkey. He often stated that serving his country was the best thing he did besides marrying Martha. Ken spent 30 years in civil service, 26 of those were spent as a letter carrier. As a member of Asheboro First Wesleyan Church, Ken was the Sunday school secretary for many years.

Ken was a world class fixer, who could fix anything. He was very frugal and found value in most things that people would probably throw away. In later years, he found great joy in learning new repair techniques from watching YouTube. Ken was a quiet man, but could be meaningfully engaged in conversation with anyone. He loved animals and enjoyed bird watching. Ken also loved fishing, golfing and going to the beach.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Nelson.

Surviving are his wife of over 60 years, Martha Trogdon Watson of the home; daughter, Karen Watson Crews (Scott) of Asheboro; son, Alan Watson (Bonnie) of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, whom he adored, Sam Watson of Jacksonville, FL, Laura Watson of Lincoln, NE, Will Crews (Samantha) of Trinity, Sarah Powell (Blaine) of Louisville, KY; cousin, Jean Mabe (Gary) of Star; special sister-in-law, Nancy Allred of Asheboro and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 9:45 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, prior to the service at Ridge Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Randolph County Honor Guard, PO Box 1672, Asheboro, NC 27204; or to Asheboro First Wesleyan Church, P.O. Box 338, Asheboro, NC 27204.