Obituary

Lerue Everett Watson, III

November 22, 1937 to July 4, 2026

Everett was born in Bogalusa, LA on November 22, 1937 and passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at the age of 88.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia Lea Watson, daughter Nicole Watson McGehee (Bryan), grandson Collin McGehee (Emily), sister Eleanor Duke, sisters-in-law Norma Lea Erwin (Tom), Charlene Lea Belk, and Julie Lea Luquette, brothers-in-law Tommy Lea (Dru) and Bill Lea, and numerous other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lerue Everett Watson, Jr and Claudine Ellzey Watson, brothers-in-law Merlin Duke and Jeffrey Luquette, and a niece, Amanda Nicole Kalivoda.

After graduating from Bogalusa High School in 1955, Everett earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1959, then his master’s degree in 1966 also from Southeastern. He taught instrumental music at Bogalusa Jr High School from 1959-1989. He spent his lifelong music career playing with many bands across the southeast. In 1992, Everett began a second career working 31 years with the Bogalusa Heart Study until his retirement in 2023. Everett was a lifelong member of Superior Avenue Baptist Church where he served as deacon and played trumpet in worship services for many years.

A visitation will be held at Superior Avenue Baptist Church, 1301 N Columbia St, Bogalusa LA on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 starting at 10am until 1 P.M. Funeral services will begin at 1P.M. with Rev. Clay Norwood officiating. Interment will follow at Ponemah Cemetery.

Acting Pallbearers will be David M Duke, Damon Duke, Tommy Lea, Bill Lea, Tom Erwin, and Jeff Francis.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a monetary gift to the building fund at Superior Avenue Baptist Church.