Watson T. Hampton

Watson T. Hampton, age 94 years, of Clearwater, FL, died on January 1, 2005 in Sabal Ponds Wellness Center, Largo, FL.

Born in Flemington, NJ, June 24, 1910, he was the son of the late John and Laura Everitt Hampton. He had resided in Flemington, NJ, and Raritan Township, NJ, until moving to Florida in 1973.

When his father died, Mr. Hampton worked to support his mother in numerous jobs in the Flemington area primarily involving automotive service. In 1939, Mr. Hampton established a fine reputation and with the assistance and faith of many friends in Flemington, Mr. Hampton and his wife, Evelyn, opened a Sunoco service station on Route 12 in Raritan Township, NJ. In 1940, he became a new car dealer taking on the Studebaker line. The Oliver and New Holland farm machinery lines were added during World War II when new cars were not manufactured. The Packard line was added in 1954, and the business became a Dodge dealereship in 1958. In 1972, the Chrysler and Plymouth brands were added. Mr. Hampton retired in 1973, and his son John, took over the firm.

Mr. Hampton was very active in politics as Mayor of Raritan Township, NJ, leaving that post in 1965. He also served as Hunterdon County Democratic Chairman from 1968-1971. He was a member of the Flemington Baptist Church, The Flemington Lions Club for over fifty years, and was a director of the Prospect Hill Cemetery Association, Flemington, NJ.

His first wife, Evelyn Fink Hampton, died in 1974; his second wife, Louise McAlpine Hampton, died in 1974; and his third wife, Eleanor Waldron Hampton, died in 1997. His son, John, died in 1998; and a daughter, Doris Corona, died in 2001. Surviving are a son, Emery Hampton, of Sammamish, WA; five terrific grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2005 at 3 PM in the Flemington Baptist Church, Main and Church Streets, Flemington, NJ under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Interment will be private in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Flemington, NJ. There will be no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Flemington Baptist Church, 170 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822, or to the charity of one's choice. Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information, or to send condolences.