Edwin C. Watson, a longtime resident of Patriots Colony at Williamsburg, passed away on March 31, 2012 at the age of 87. A native of Ilion, NY, he was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Linda Waterman.

Edwin was a graduate of Lehigh University, earning a degree in Industrial Engineering. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II as a B-24 bomber pilot stationed in England, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 1969. He was the last surviving member of his nine man crew. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow pilots, serving as past president of the 491st Bomber Reunion Group, as well as being a member of the Order of Daedalians. Edwin also volunteered as a tax preparer for 14 years and enjoyed serving in many capacities on the board of his church, Etowah United Methodist Church, Etowah, NC.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty, of Patriots Colony, Williamsburg, VA; two sons, Dale E. Watson of Southbridge, MA, and Donald E. Watson and his wife, Sue, of Williamsburg, VA; and a granddaughter, Brittany Watson, of Maynard, MA; his sister, Ann Smith and her husband, Francis, of Oriskany, NY; and three brothers, Garry Towne and his wife, Dawn, of Lacona, NY, Wayne Towne and his wife, Marie, of Rome, NY, and Paul Towne and his wife, Sue, of Oriskany Falls, NY; and his grand-dog, Easy.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 4 at 11:00 AM at the Patriots Colony Assisted Living Community Room, 6200 Patriots Colony Drive, Williamsburg. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, July 13, 2012 at 9:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Patriots Fund at Patriots Colony, 6000 Patriots Colony Dr., Williamsburg, VA 23188 or to the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum, P.O. Box 1992, Pooler, GA 31402 or visit www.mightyeighth.org. Online condolences may be expressed at www.nelsencares.com.