Robert J. Watson

Robert J. Watson, 76, of Denver, Colorado, passed away on August 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. 

Robert was born August 25, 1949, in Corpus Christi, Texas, the son of Bobby Lee Watson and Violet Jo Guinn. He graduated from W.T. White High School in 1967, earned his Bachelor’s degree with Honors (Beta Gamma Sigma) from Southern Methodist University in 1971, and went on to earn his MBA from the University of Texas at Austin in 1972.

He met the love of his life, Kay, his sophomore year at SMU. They married on June 4, 1971, at Bethesda Congregational Church in Bethesda, Maryland. Their 55-year marriage carried them through many homes together, including Austin, Los Angeles, Denver, the Netherlands, Denver again, London, and finally back to Denver.

After earning his MBA, Robert began his commercial real estate career with Trammell Crow Company, eventually becoming the Southwest Regional Partner before he left in 1991. Shortly thereafter, he joined with less than 10 people to start the company that would eventually become Prologis, Inc. He held several leadership roles at Prologis, including President and COO of Europe and later in the same role over North America. He retired from Prologis in 2009.

At various points, he was a season ticket holder for the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rockies, and CU Buffaloes Football. He loved skiing at Vail and Snowmass, CO. He enjoyed his other great pastime, golf, through long time memberships at Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, CO, Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock, CO, Roaring Fork Club in Basalt, CO, and El Dorado Country Club in Indian Wells, CA.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Lee Watson. He is survived by his wife, Kay; mother, Violet; his sister, Kathryn A. Payne, and brother-in-law, Ray Payne; his daughter, Jennifer K. Watson Laws, and son-in-law, Anthony P. Laws; his son, Robert H. Watson, and daughter-in-law, Nicole A. Watson; and his grandchildren, Robert A. Watson (Andrew), Carolyn D. Watson, Avery M. Watson, Charles P. Watson, Mary E. Watson, and William J. Watson.

Memorial Services will be held August 19, 2026, 1:00 P.M. at Horan & McConaty (5303 E. County Line Rd., Centennial, CO, 80122) with Deacon George Morin of St. Thomas More Catholic Parish officiating.