Pastor E.J. Watson, Jr.

Pastor E. J. Watson, Jr., 82, of Olathe, passed away on December 9, 2020 at Sparkling Fountain Homes in Overland Park, KS.

He was born on March 8, 1938 to Elbert J. and Georgia (Storer) Watson in Long Beach, CA.
He graduated from Huntington Beach High School in 1956. He then attended Orange Coast Junior College, and then studied architectural engineering at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA.

On June 20, 1959, he married the love of his life, Anita Jean (Weillie), and they made their home in Seal Beach, CA. After they married, he became a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service.

Shortly after E.J. and Anita married, they began attending First Baptist Church of Costa Mesa, CA., under the preaching of Dr. P.G. Neumann. They became very active in music and youth ministries. After serving a few years, E.J. felt God's call to full time ministry. He packed up his family and dog in a VW Bug and all his earthly possessions in one small moving truck. Together E.J. and Anita headed to Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO. In 1966, he graduated with a degree in Biblical Studies.

After graduation, the Watson family moved to Olathe, KS to serve at Faith Baptist Church, working with the youth. In May 1967, the current pastor left to start a new church, and E.J. was called as the next pastor.

In his early years as pastor, he had a burden to start a bus ministry. The ministry grew beyond expectations, and Faith Baptist Church was soon sending out over nine bus routes throughout the community picking up children and adults for church services. Many countless souls were saved as a result of the bus ministry. Today, Faith Baptist Church continues to operate this bus ministry.

While driving through Olathe one day, Pastor Watson felt a clear call from God to start a Christian School. In 1973, Faith Baptist School was founded and continues to operate to this day, graduating students with a Biblical foundation. Several of these students have gone on to serve in church ministry, including three current members of Faith Baptist Church staff.

E.J. devoted his life to the service of the Lord, pastoring Faith Baptist Church for over 50 years. During his many years of service, Faith Baptist Church has seen its Missions program thrive, built a new church building, re-built after a fire, and built more facilities. He had a special love for music, and Faith Baptist Church has enjoyed a godly music program that continues to bring glory and honor to the Lord to this day.

He is survived by his loving wife, Anita, children: Bob (Shevon) Watson, Darla (Tim) Auten, Robyn (Tim) Bradley, Daniel Watson, Eric (Phyllis) Watson. 14 Grandchildren: Terry Don (Shelby) Webster, Skylar (Ashley) Watson, Tyler Auten, Dana Auten, Ethan Auten, Destiny Auten, Robert (Jodi) Dalsing, Rachelle (Charles) Smith, Terri (Matt) Nice, Jason Watson, Alisia Watson, Bradley Watson, Cody Watson, and Emma Watson, and 7 Great-Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Monte Curry and Joe Watson and son-in-law, Robert Dalsing, Sr.

Memorials are suggested to Faith Baptist School.