Watson Colelay

Watson Colelay, 82, of HonDah, AZ passed away on October 10, 2022 surrounded by family at home.

Watson lived a full life. After graduating from Phoenix Indian High School, he went to Los Angeles for job opportunities. It is there that he met his wife, Jane Parrish. It is also where they had their first daughter. They were later blessed with another daughter, born in Gouldings, Utah.

Watson and the family lived and worked in Kayenta until 1976, after which he transferred from Kayenta to Whiteriver, where he worked as a boiler mechanic for the federal government. After 35 years, he retired and began working at FATCO as a security guard. He went on to work as a security officer for the HonDah Casino for 13 years, during which he acquired the title “Employee of the Year”.

Watson was well liked and respected by all who knew him. He always considered others’ needs before his own. He practiced a very strong work ethic throughout his life. He earned his AA Degree from Northland Pioneer College, held the position of Volunteer Firefighter for BIA, and in his school days, was an active member of the Phoenix Indian High School Marching Band, active in track and field, wrestling and basketball. He was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys as well as the Arizona Cardinals. Watson enjoyed playing the guitar, loved fishing, and was known as a proficient hunter, and just an overall great outdoorsman.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Owens Livingston Mortuary White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9^th Street, Show Low, AZ. Graveside services will be held immediately following the visitation at Cooley Mountain Cemetery, HonDah, AZ.