John L. Watson ’57

JOHN DIED at his home on Lake Tawakoni, Tex., Oct. 14, 1993, after a long battle with cancer. He was 57. Born in Orange, N.J., he was raised in Wynnewood and graduated from the Lower Marion H.S. in Philadelphia.

John went to Princeton on an N.R.O.T.C. scholarship. He captained the freshman lacrosse team and played varsity football. He left Princeton the first semester of his junior year to join the naval air cadets, earning his wings and taking his commission in the marines as an officer. In 1971, he returned to Princeton on a marine tour of duty and completed his studies, earning a degree in aerospace engineering. His widow, Mittie, mentioned his discomfort at having students hold the door for him, believing he was a professor.

His life was spent in the marine corps, where he received many distinguished medals and made over 100 nighttime carrier landings. He was a marine corps officer, a fighter pilot, and a squadron commander. John did two tours in Vietnam, where he was awarded numerous air medals. Upon retirement from the marines in 1977, worked in the defense industry in various management positions.

He is survived by his widow, Mittie; two daughters, Diane Heiser and Dana Hillebrand; a son, John L. Jr.; a brother, Bob '56; and a sister, Peggy McGrath.

The class extends its sympathy to his family.

The Class of 1957