Watson remembered for years of service
The Livingston County Board is looking to appoint someone as coroner following the passing of Coroner Danny “Doc” Watson recently.
Watson died Sunday at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington at the age of 74. A visitation is set for this Friday, Nov. 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pontiac with a Mass of Christian Burial scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. also at St. Mary’s.
Watson had attended Flanagan schools, graduating in 1969 and later worked for the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office. He joined the coroner’s office as a deputy in 1996 and spent the last eight years as county coroner. Watson served as a fireman, engineer, training officer, chief and assistant chief for the Flanagan-Graymont Fire Protection District for more than 40 years.
By statute, the coroner vacancy should be filled within 60 days by appointment of the Chairperson of the County Board with the advice and consent of the board.
“The appointed individual shall be someone from the same political party (Republican), 18 years of age, shall be a United States citizen, resident of the county for 30 days and shall serve through Nov. 30, 2024,” said a press release from Livingston County.
The vacated position will be filled by election in the Primary Election on March 19, 2024 and the General Election on Nov. 5, 2024. An appointment will be announced by county board chairman James Carley at the Thursday, Dec. 14 Livingston County Board meeting.
Anyone interested in applying for the appointment is asked to submit a letter of interest no later than Tuesday, Dec. 5. The letter should be sent to: James Carley, Chairperson, County Board Office, 112 W. Madison Street, Pontiac, IL 61764.
