from On the Move, Winter (December) Quarter 1998, Volume 11, Number 4
The tragic murder of Charles W. Watterson, Jr. while blading the Green River District Road in
Emery County on October 29, 1998 has given us a chance to reflect on his life and pay tribute to
his many years of hard work for the Emery County Road Department.
Charles W. Watterson, Jr. had an impeccable reputation as an employee, husband, father,
grandfather, citizen and member of his church. He was exceptionally honest and forthright in all
matters. He was conscientious almost to a fault--he "fussed and stewed" until the job was just
right. He was highly organized and meticulous as well.
He was always reliable and trustworthy; this was reflected at his funeral where "integrity" was
consistently mentioned by those who paid tribute to him. He was a compulsive "work-o-holic"
who could never be idle. He encouraged hard work in others by setting an excellent example
rather than through criticism.
Charles was a very capable equipment operator as well as an accomplished carpenter and
construction worker. His career included 20 years of service as a maintenance supervisor over
the now defunct Green River Military Missile Facility. He worked diligently in his community of
Green River, Utah. This included laboring for several weeks on behalf of the Emery County Road
Department on the new Green River Golf Course and assisting the city on a variety of local
projects.
He was extremely congenial, warm and a true friend to his co-workers. His untimely death sent a
flood of emotion through the entire county. Condolences were received from numerous other
County Road Departments, UDOT officials and local citizens who had benefitted from knowing
Charles.
Rex Funk, Emery County Road Supervisor, reflected that "Charles...has in times past [been
noted]...for his outstanding character and ability to be a kind of catalyst which has motivated [his]
crew to new heights of productivity (as much as 40%)...Employees such as Charles have
represented considerable savings to the county both in productivity and dollars saved by
innovation."
Charles was survived by his wife, Myrna, five grown children as well as grand and great-grandchildren. He is sorely missed!
Our thanks to Rex Funk, Emery County Road Supervisor, for his help in preparing this tribute.