ALLEN R. WATNE JR.

Allen R. Watne Jr. of Fallbrook, California and formerly of Binford, ND died on Friday, March 25, 2011 at his home in Fallbrook surrounded by his loving family. Allen Raymond Watne Jr. was born at rural Binford, ND on May 3, 1941, the son of (Allan) Raymond and Alma Josephine (Overby) Watne. He was born on what was known as the Fred Lewis farm near Red Willow Lake. He and his parents moved into Binford in 1942. He lived there with his mother and sister while Raymond served in the United States Navy during World War II. Following Raymond’s discharge the family lived for a short time at rural Cooperstown then moved to rural Sutton where Allen attended country school. In 1949 he moved with his family to the family farm seven miles south of Binford. He attended Clearfield #2 rural school and went on to graduate from Binford High School in 1959. He was a member of 4-H and worked for various farmers, Main Motors and Lee’s Creamery both in Cooperstown during and following high school. He was baptized and confirmed at the Zion Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod located at rural Binford. He enlisted in the United States Navy in July of 1960 completing Basic Training at San Diego, CA and Boiler Technician School at Great Lakes, Illinois. He served on board the USS Bennington CVS-20 from March 1961 to May 1964. He married Verlynn Williams in January of 1964. In May 1964 they moved to rural Cooperstown, ND where he worked for his Godparents, Carrol and Shirley Retzlaff. In September 1964 they moved to Nevada where he worked as a carpet layer. Allen re-enlisted in August of 1967 serving a total of 29.5 years with the Navy. In 1971 he met the love of his life, Lillian Smith. She and her daughters were from Norfolk, VA. Allen and Lillian were married on December 16, 1977 at Reno, Nevada. Following his retirement from the USN he worked another 18 years for the Civil Service at Camp Pendleton, CA. He was stationed on board the following ships: USS Yosmite (AD-19); USS Newman K Perry (DD 883); USS America (CVA 66); USS Coral Sea (CV-43); USS Samuel Gompers (AD-37); USS New Orleans(LPH 11); and the USS McKee (AS-41). He also served on shore duty at Charleston, SC and Great Lakes, Ill. He retired in October 1990 with the rate of Boiler Technician Master Chief. Allen received the following service medals: Meritorious Unit Commendation (3 awards); Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal (3 awards); Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (3 awards); Good Conduct Medal; Navy Achievement Medal 2 awards); Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; Battle “E” Ribbon (3 awards); and the Navy Commendation Medal. Allen and Lillian rode his Harley Davidson motorcycle with pride and enthusiasm. They participated in a variety of fundraisers for Veterans and disadvantaged children through his membership in the Harley Owners Group (HOG) in Riverside California. Allen made several trips from California to Binford with his Harley “buddies”. Allen took great pride as a land owner in Addie township (his paternal grandparents farm) rural Binford. He enjoyed working on his trucks and on his Allis Chalmers tractor. He restored a 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria from a rusted out “shell” to a vintage vehicle in mint condition. Allen is survived by his loving wife Lillian, his daughter Cheri (Phil) Eldridge, Elko, NV; her daughters, Ivy (Steve) Mercereau, Carlsbad, CA and Leatrice (David) Smith of Cumming, Ga; seven grandchildren Fawn (Mike) Baily, Elko, NV; Kyla (Robert) Drake-Lee, Elko, NV; Bryce Carlton, Elko, NV; Ashley Mercereau, Phoenix, Az; Kyle Mercereau, Carlsbad, CA; Nathan and Tristan Smith of Cumming, Ga; one great granddaughter, Hadleigh Baily, Elko, NV; sisters, Darlene Brandvold, West Fargo, ND; Renee (Joe) Martin, Valley City, ND; brothers, Bernard (Bev) Watne, Maricopa, Az; and Terry Watne, Grand Forks, ND. Aunts, Shirley (Carroll) Retzlaff, Mabel Mergenthal, Jo Watne, Doris Overby and Betty Overby. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, many aunts and uncles and one great granddaughter, Lorlei Bailey. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 11 AM with visitation one hour before the service at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Binford, ND. Burial will take place at the Trinity Cemetery following the funeral service. Military Rites will be provided by the Jonas A. Helland Post #111 of Binford and the Army National Guard. A motorcycle escort to the cemetery will follow the funeral. Luncheon will be served immediately following the burial at Terry Watne’s residence in Binford, ND. Blessed be the memory of Allen Watne.