R. Elmer Watterson

R. Elmer Watterson, 98, formerly of Cochranville, died on Monday, February 7, 2011 at the Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford where he had resided for the last eight years. He was the husband of the late Athena M. Wicks Watterson who died in 1989. Born in West Fallowfield Township, Chester County, he was the son of the late Ralph M. and Mabel Hart Watterson.



A Cochranville area resident most of his life, he was a graduate of the Cochranville High School class of 1930. He also had served as class President. Elmer was a carpenter until he enlisted in the US Navy in 1943. While in the Navy he served aboard the Destroyer Denebola which was active in the invasion of Southern France. Obtaining the rank of Carpenter's mate second class, he was awarded the American and European-African Theatre Ribbons with one combat battle star.

After the war, Elmer returned to carpentry and then served as a rural mail carrier in the Cochranville area until his retirement in 1980.

He was a past President and Trustee of the Cochranville Fire Company and past Trustee and oldest living member of the Cochranville United Methodist Church where he was also caretaker of the cemetery for many years.



He is survived by one brother, Francis R. Watterson of Cochranville and his adoring nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two siblings; Laura M.Watterson Prange and Raymond M. Watterson.



Funeral services will be held on Saturday,  February 12, 2011 at 11:00 am from the Cochranville United Methodist Church, 92 Church Dr., Cochranville, Pa. 19330, followed by interment in the adjoining church cemetery.  Family and friends are also invited to attend the viewing which will be held at the Church from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.



In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elmer's memory to the Cochranville Methodist Church, P.O. Box 417, Cochranville, Pa. 19330 or the Cochranville Fire Company, 3135 Limestone Road, Cochranville, PA 19330.





Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg.  Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com