Billy John Watson

Billy John Watson, 86, passed away on November 18, 2025, in Casper, Wyoming, after a long and fulfilling life.

Billy was born in Erick, Oklahoma, on January 7, 1939, to Lee Sanford Watson and Verda Alma (Phillips). He spent his early years on the family homestead, riding horses, pulling cotton bolls, and playing with his dog, Poochie. He was the youngest of three sons and a late-in-life blessing to his parents. Billy was predeceased by his brothers, Leldon and Harvey Lee.

With his parents’ blessing, Billy enlisted in the U.S. Navy before his 18th birthday. He shipped out from Coronado, California, on an aircraft carrier, where his main role as an airman was to catch incoming planes as they landed. While enlisted, Billy explored several countries and formed lasting friendships that became a lifelong brotherhood. His time in the Navy shaped his exemplary sense of discipline and hard work.

After his service, Billy fought forest fires, drove a logging truck, and eventually settled into a career in oilfield trucking. He logged countless miles over the 33 years he spent working for Black Hills Trucking. He was proud to be a member of the True family’s team.

Billy was first married to Juanita Summers, and together they raised two children: Ronald Dean (JoAnn) Watson and Sandra Lee (Bill) Jensen. He later married Linda (Lallatin), his wife of nearly 51 years, with whom he shared a life of love and faith. Together, they raised two daughters: Natasha Lynn Kastner and Lee-Anna Dawn Caveness. His family grew to include 12 grandchildren, as well as several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A true cowboy at heart, Billy found great joy in riding horses and playing the guitar for “pickin and grinnin’’ around the kitchen table. He cherished those moments with friends and family—singing, laughing, and sharing stories. His joy was infectious; he was quick-witted and always ready for a laugh, often spontaneously crafting songs and poems to entertain those around him.

Billy was also strongly committed to his values and thought often about his path in life. In his sixties, he embraced his faith deeply, becoming a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was known for his ministering, heartfelt prayers, and the quiet strength of his testimony.

Billy was a master of colorful sayings, but none more defining than “No step for a stepper”—a phrase he lived by and embodied until his final day. His resilience, humor, and love for others will be remembered by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 29, at 3 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3931 W 45th Street, Casper, Wyoming 82604. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions, whose care and compassion meant so much in Billy’s final days. Contributions can be made online at https://centralwyominghospice.org/donate/ or by calling (307) 577-4832.