MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. — Lyman Thurston Watson Jr. passed away in Melbourne Beach Feb. 6, 2015, surrounded by loved ones.

Lyman was born April 6, 1921, in Fort Dix, N.J., and grew up in Louisville, Ky. He married Vivian A. Keyes on Nov. 9, 1942.  They lived in Vicksburg until April 2014.

A devoted husband and father, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII, attended Northwestern University in Chicago, and worked for the U.S. Waterways Experiment Station for 39 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church.

Lyman was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Vivian, on Dec. 29, 2014; parents, Lyman T. Watson Sr., and Gertrude Watson Watson; brother, Charles Eugene Watson; sister, Virginia Watson Sowle; and granddaughter Stephanie Keyes Hughes.

Survivors are daughters, Sandy Watson Foote (Ken) of Melbourne Beach, Judi Watson Hughes (Dalton) of Abilene, Texas; and Debbi Watson Craig (Gordon) of Melbourne Beach; grandchildren, Lauren Craig Reda (Gary), Bryce Craig, Kelly Hughes Minyard (CJ), and David Hughes; and nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life, as well as Vivian’s, was held Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, at the home of his daughter Sandy in Melbourne Beach. It was an occasion of sharing loving memories, tears and laughter.

Memorials may be directed to VITAS Hospice Care, 4450 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. Ste. 280, Melbourne, FL 32924, or to a charity of your choice.