Wendell Keith Watson

Reflections of Life

Wendell Keith Watson, affectionately known as Wen or Wat, was born in Washington, DC, on September 16, 1958, to the late Elwood and Annie Veronica Watson. He was educated in the Prince Georges County Public Schools and later attended Prince George’s Community College.

In January, 1977, he joined the United States Marine Corp and received an honorable discharge in 1981 after 4 years of service. In 1978 Wendell married his high school sweetheart Latrell Harden and out of that union were two children, Jasmin (Jaz) and Jamika.

Wendell began his plumbing career with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC).  Later to advance his career with the Federal Government, from 1988 until his retirement in November 2020 with 30 years of service.  Many friendships were established during his tenure while working at the Andrews Air Force Base (AFB), the Navy Yard, and finally the Naval Research Laboratory.  Wendell also retired from the Prince George’s County Liquor Board as an inspector with more than 20 years of service. While working as a plumber and Facilities Manager for the government, a long-lasting best friend relationship had begun with Kevin Walker.  These talented plumbers began their business partnership in 1992 as they established a very successful business called Built Tuff Construction which is still in existence today. Plumbing was Wendell’s passion, and he was good at it.  You could count on Wendell to save the day from any leak that you may have had at your home.  His thoughtfulness to help others in the time of a crisis would reflect the strength of his character and integrity. 

Years later in 2004, Wendell and Latrell would then divorce, and Wendell was then introduced to the love of his life, Lena Webb in 2008.  You would often find them spending time with friends and family, taking a ride to the casino, eating seafood, or simply enjoying a site seeing day trip. Lena and Wendell spent the last 14 years enjoying their days and preparing for a life of retirement together.

We could all say that Wendell was a warm-hearted friend/brother to all and a die-hard Baltimore Ravens fan with a great sense of humor and a strong will.  His favorite past-time was watching sports, especially football and baseball, singing, and performing for family and friends. When he was younger you could often find him attending baseball games with his father and godfather. You could often have hours of conversation with him on any topic from plumbing, football, politics, and without a doubt singing the 70’s music.  Many hours were spent with friends eating crabs or having a competitive bid-whist game with long-time friends Bates, Vernon, Rod, Bonnie, and Dewayne.

He was a man of his word; his word was his bond.  He also had the determination to do and be the best at whatever task was at hand.   Wendell had a deep enthusiasm for singing, and he started his music group, the Sensatiables, and as he used to say, “it just took off from there”.  His successful music career afforded him the opportunity to perform with such artists/groups as the Intruders, Blue Magic, HALO, Skip Mahoney, and the Casuals, just to name a few.  He made many dear friends and brotherhoods from this music industry.  If you took a moment and reminisced with Wendell a song from Blue Magic or the Delfonics you would have ‘forced him’ to hit an extremely high note (smile) and he would be ready to sing for hours and perform his doo-wop dance moves.  Of course, pointing that finger in the air while hitting each high note that he sang.  Wendell always loved and enjoyed music, singing then became his devotion. 

If you were having a pep talk conversation with Wendell, he would often say, “If people want to toot their own horns, and try to frustrate you, then just hold their horn and let them toot away. It will all be okay!” Wendell was full of wisdom, and encouragement and was quite a visionary.

All that shared any time with Wendell was very familiar with his children but oh when the grandchildren came on the scene.  His family was even more important to him.  He took pride in each one as he would encourage them all with lengthy conversations about their future and how great they will become. The grandchildren were his everything.

As reared in the Catholic faith, a few years ago Wendell accepted the Lord as his personal savior and then in the year 2022, he rededicated his life unto the Lord where he was committed until his passing.

At 12:50 am Tuesday, December 27, 2022, while at home, God peacefully took Wendell’s hand and walked him through the heavenly gates.

Wendell leaves his treasured memories to his beloved children: Jasmin (Jaz) Watson (Danya), Upper Marlboro, MD and Jamika Watson (Jimmie Adams), Lexington Park, MD; devoted Fiancé, Lena Webb, Clinton, MD, loyal friendship with Latrell Watson, District Heights, MD; five grand-children: Javien and Corey Taylor, Lexington Park, MD, Laylah, Jazmyn and Adiya Watson, Upper Marlboro, MD; three bonus daughters, Samantha, LaDonna and RoSharon (Ingram) Webb of Clinton, MD and two bonus grandsons, Jamari and Jakai Webb of Clinton, MD.

He also leaves three sisters, Barbara Wills of Landover, MD (Clarence, deceased), Rosie Patricia Spencer of Palm Bay, FL, (Leslie “Les”, deceased) and Sylvia Bannister (deceased), four beloved aunts; Alice Watson, of Clinton, MD, Georgianna Penny of LaPlata, MD, Peggy “Bernie” Watson of White Plains, MD and Doris Watson. One brother-in-law Leroy Harden (Jennifer) of Charlotte, NC. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends. With very special friendships with Kevin Walker, Julius Turner, Chris Watson, Howard Watson Jr., Zach Thompson, Fletcher ‘Smitty” Smith, Jonathan Bates, Jerry Griffith, Anthony Campbell, Jack Gomillion, John ‘Boe’ Sharpe, Dean Cavanaugh, Curtis Warren, and forever heartfelt bonds with, ‘Hawk’ Ladson and Kenny Watson.