Robert Edward "Pete" Watson, 82, of Leonardtown, MD, a former longtime resident of Friendship and Fairhaven, MD, passed away March 27, 2012 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, MD. Pete was born January 13, 1930 in Owings, MD to Samuel W. and Bertie M. (Catterton) Watson. He was raised in Owings and attended Calvert County public schools.

He served in the US Army, and married Jacqueline Louise Bittner January 29, 1949. They lived and raised their family in Friendship and Fairhaven, MD.

Pete was employed as a refrigeration and plant engineer at the Meadow Gold ice cream plant in Alexandria, VA, retiring in the mid 1980's. He had also been a longtime farmer raising tobacco and livestock for many years. He and Jacqueline were divorced after 25 years of marriage, and Pete had recently resided with his son and daughter-in-law in Leonardtown. In his leisure time Pete loved playing golf, and also enjoyed crabbing.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Evelyn Bowen and Helen Humphrey, and brothers Samuel and Vernon Watson.

He is survived by six children: Judith A. "Judy" Neiswenter and husband David of San Angelo, TX, Robert V. "Bobby" Watson of Prince Frederick, MD, P. Michael "Mike" Watson, Sr. and wife Carole of Leonardtown, MD, Deborah J. "Debbie" Dickerman of Prince Frederick, MD, Victoria L. "Vicki" Avila and husband Ralph of Roseville, CA, and Daniel E. Watson and wife Rebecca of Harwood, MD. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2012 from 2-4 PM at Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane, Owings, MD. Inurnment will follow in Mt. Harmony United Methodist Church Cemetery, Owings, MD.

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home, P.A.