Mr. WILLIAM BENSON WATHEN

Fort Worth, Texas -- William Benson “Bill” Wathen passed away August 4, due to complications from COVID 19. He was 93. Born in San Antonio, Bill graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. He was a licensed professional engineer, who honorably served his country in the U. S. Army Signal Corp during the Korean War. Ballroom dancing was his passion. Bill started dancing as a young man, entering, and often winning, many competitions. He continued to dance and teach ballroom dancing well into his 80’s. It was an activity he and wife Barbara loved to share. Bill marched to the beat of his “own” drummer. He was happiest when working in his shop, inventing a better nutcracker or airplane engines. Eschewing technology, he preferred to work at his drafting table, slide rule, mechanical pencil, and ruler at the ready. More recently, he enjoyed spending time with his good friend Loren and having lunch at the Paris Coffee Shop. He was a character through and through. His family will miss his unique gift giving, and will never look at a can of King Oscar sardines without thinking of him. He was preceded in death by parents, Proctor and Cleo Wathen; his wife, Barbara McDonald Wathen; and his sister, Betty Sue Wathen Coburn. In addition to his nephews and their wives, Jim and Sarah Coburn and David and Vicki Coburn, Bill is survived by his niece, Mary Coburn and her husband, Bruce Freeman; and a great- niece and four great-nephews, and their wives and children. He was loved, and will be missed. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. WILLIAM BENSON WATHEN please visit our Sympathy Store.