Charles E. Watson Sr. 83, passed away peacefully on Monday February 1, 2010 at Bennington Health and Rehabilitation Center after a long battle with Alzheimer Disease. Mr. Watson was born in Bennington on August 24, 1926, he was the son of the late James H. and Freda M. (Crawford) Watson. He received his education in Bennington. He married the former Suzanne Gagne in Bennington on August 8, 1948. In earlier years he had worked at the Ben Mont Paper Company for 22 years. In 1964 he opened his own business- THE WATSON AGENCY which he operated from his home on Park Street for 14 years, he then relocated to North Street where he operated it for another 15 years until his retirement. In earlier years he was an active member of the Hale Mountain Fish and Game Club, in 1950 he joined the Mt. Anthony Lodge #13 F&AM and in 1958 became their Worshipful Master. In 1962, he joined the Bennington Elks Lodge # 567 and later the Bennington Lions Club where he served as King Lion during 1975-76. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, motorcycling and golf. In addition to his wife, Suzanne, he is survived by two sons Charles E. Watson Jr. and wife Noreen of Bennington and Alan Watson and his wife Denise of Shaftsbury, a daughter Dawn Watson of Bennington, grandchildren Heather Hathaway and husband Steve, Charles Watson III and Autumn Durrin, David Watson and Chris Denio, Torrey King and husband Frank III, Alan D. Watson Jr., Nichole and Tyler Livingston, great grandchildren Joslin Dickie, Corey and Hailey Hathaway, Kayla and Carter King, Patrick Watson, Colin and Aiden Chellis, Charles E. Watson IV and Elysia Bolster , bother Gerald Watson of Bennington, sister Mabel Ellison of Ludlow, MA, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by three brothers James, Frederick and Albert Watson, two sisters Hazel and Charlotte Watson who died as children and a grandson Nicholas Watson. Friends are invited to celebrate the life of Mr. Watson at the Masonic Temple at 504 Main Street in Bennington on Saturday February 6 from 2-5pm when the family will be present, Masonic Funeral Service will take place at 2pm, following the service there will be a time of fellowship and refreshment. Should friends desire memorial gifts in memory of Mr. Watson may be made to the Mount Anthony Lodge #13 F&AM in care of the Hanson-Walbridge Funeral Home, 213 West Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.