Obituary: Walter Watson French, 79, New Haven
Walter Watson French, 79, of New Haven, died Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Elizabethtown. He was retired from James B. Beam Distillery in Boston. He was a member of Rolling Fork Christian Church, a member of the McNeil Masonic Lodge and a member of the IU Local 111 Union. 
He had a love for music and has been awarded the Kentucky State Harmonica Player Championship on two different occasions.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lydia Watson French; and an aunt who raised him, Sallie Watson.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Ann Hayden French; five daughters, Diane Reynolds (Mike), Sherree Hayes (Charlie), Julie Hayes, Laurie Shelton and Mary French (Chuck Hellard); five sons, Walter E. French, Charles E. French, Ralph E. French, Guy E. Snellen and David E. Snellen (Maranda); one sister, Regis Williams; 15 grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017, at the Kappel Funeral Home in Boston with the Rev. Tim Underhill officiating. Burial is in the Little Brick Cemetery.
Visitation is 1-8 p.m. Friday, March 24, 2017, and after 9 a.m. at the funeral home. Masonic Rites are 6:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Kappel Funeral Home in Boston is in charge of the arrangements.
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