WESLEY — Evelyn Lucile Bates

was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, on December 16, 1926. She spent most of her childhood in Hackett , Ark.

Her youthful beauty attracted many suitors, but she had a list of characteristics that she wanted in a potential husband. During her second year at the University of Arkansas, she encountered Lavon Watson who had just been released from the Army-Air Force. He was returning to the university to pursue a master’s degree. Evelyn was not ready to settle down, but Lavon was and had won her heart. They compromised and were married two days before her 20th birthday.

Lavon and Evelyn enjoyed a loving marriage for over seventy years on a farm in Wesley, Ark. Lavon died at 97.5, leaving behind his beloved Evelyn. She spent her remaining years traveling and visiting with her daughters and extended family. On May 26, 2023, Evelyn met her Savior face-to-face and was reunited with Lavon and other loved ones. Evelyn’s parents, Dewey Bates and Marybell Phelps Bates preceded her in death.

Evelyn is survived by her three daughters and their families. They are Patty Watson Lueken and Whit (deceased) from Mountain Home, Ark.; Linda Watson Brannan and Steve of Wesley, Ark.; and Kay Watson Tait and Robert of Plano, Texas. She treasured her five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They include grandson Whitten Lueken and wife Carley; granddaughter Melissa Brannan

Layne and husband Daniel; grandson Stephen Brannan, his wife Jodean, and their children Miles and Zeke; grandson Walker Tait; and granddaughter Veronica Tait. Evelyn also leaves behind her devoted dog, Lester.

Throughout her life, Evelyn impacted her community by serving in the background and encouraging others to take the lead. As a 4-H leader for over seventeen years, she helped her daughters and countless youth in the Wesley community expand their horizons and accomplish more than they had ever dreamed. As the mother of a cheerleader, she transported girls to games and trainings all over the state of Arkansas. For over sixty years, Evelyn was a member and officer of the local Extension Homemakers Club.

Evelyn’s first priority was God and her second priority was family. She also followed the maxim, “If your husband asks you to go with him, you go.” This resulted in a LOT of fishing. Evelyn and Lavon would go fishing after Lavon worked on the farm all day. Then, at about two in the morning, he would sleep while Evelyn drove home so he could be ready to work the next day.

Later in life they loved traveling to Canada to fish for Northern Pike and Walleye. On one trip, Evelyn had hurt her shoulder, but was determined to catch fish. Lavon and their daughter, Kay, became an assembly line for her. Lavon would cast and hand the rod to Evelyn. She would slowly reel in the line, catching a fish on almost every cast. Then Kay would land the fish, returning the rod to Lavon to remove the fish and cast again. When Evelyn had a goal to do something, she did it.

Lavon called her a true partner. They regularly bounced ideas off of each other. This allowed them to be innovative farmers, finding solutions that shaped best practices in the poultry and cattle industries. One of the hobbies she enjoyed on her own was painting. Evelyn started with China painting, then shifted to watercolors, and later found oil painting to be her preferred medium. Her daughters and grandchildren have proudly displayed a number of her works in their offices and homes in Dallas, Little Rock, and Northwest Arkansas. Evelyn used to jest that she had paintings in corporate offices in two states! However, her greatest collection was in her home where she displayed Lavon’s favorite selections of her works.

Evelyn Watson, a member of the Wesley Church of Christ, will be buried at the Wesley Community Cemetery next to her husband. Her life will be honored at a graveside service on Thursday, June 1 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Wesley Community Building for required handicap accessible upgrades to retain the community’s ability to vote in Wesley. This building is integral to the Wesley community which was Evelyn’s home for over 75 years. (Contributions may be sent to: Wesley Community Center, 1463 Hwy 303, Wesley, AR 72773) Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory, Huntsville.