Oscar James Watson

Oscar J. Watson was born the only son of seven children to Reverend Jesse and Arnie Watson. After graduating high school in Lincoln Heights, Cincinnati, Ohio, Oscar served in the U.S. Army as a Light Weapons Infantryman during the Korean War. Following his military service, he earned a B.A. Degree from Central State University, and continued his graduate studies at Xavier University. Oscar donated both time and financial support to the education of young people. He was well respected as a leader who provided calm reasoning in the face of adversity. He served others in many capacities with agencies including the National Urban League, the Congress on Racial Equality, the National Association of Intergroup Relations, and many more. Oscar was most proud of his ability to nurture multi-cultural and diverse relations through community outreach. He served through social work and fundraising while employed at United Way, the United Negro College Fund, and The Ohio State University where he retired as the Development Officer of Student Affairs. As an activist in the Civil Rights era, Oscar knew the importance of embracing youth to change the world and continued to lead with the same fervor throughout all his days. During his life, Oscar received various honors and recognition including: The Living Faith Award for exemplary human service, One Hundred Black Men of Central Ohio, Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, and The Ohio State University Young Scholars Award. Oscar Watson was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and proud of his membership in the fraternity. He was also the oldest living Past Master of Elisha Lodge #106 in Cincinnati, where he served as Worshipful Master in 1964. Oscar Watson was the youngest person to serve as the presiding officer of his lodge at that time. It was in Columbus, Ohio where Oscar met the love of his life, Glenna. Although he had no natural children of his own, Oscar was affectionately known to Glenna’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as “Pop”. It was in the Watson home where Pop would provide encouragement and advice to them all without judgment. Pop respected and valued everyone. He was a mentor to many. His love and empathy was infectious. Many family members and friends would leave his presence feeling at peace in a way that only he could make them feel. Oscar will be lovingly remembered by wife, Glenna, daughter, Victoria (Anthony), son Brent (Nina), grandchildren: Kynda (Tim), Raena, Angel; great-grandchildren, Cydnie, Deja, Demetrius, Alana, Bryce, and Autumn Oscara, his namesake, which made him so proud. He also had an extensive host of nieces and nephews, and special friends. Oscar joins in eternal life with his parents, Reverend Jesse and Arnie Watson, and sisters, Trannie, Willa, Pearl, Lorene, Irma, and Lillie Mae. As Oscar passes from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant his Final Act of ministry, kindness, caring, and love reminds us of the Power of our God over all things, even this.