Lawrence Watson, 76, civil rights activist

Lawrence Watson, 76, of the city's Wynnefield section, a lawyer, died Tuesday, Aug. 26, of kidney failure at Presbyterian Hospital surrounded by family.

Mr. Watson's interest in law, politics, and civil rights began early in his life. He participated in lunch-counter sit-ins and other civil rights demonstrations in the 1950s and had occasions to speak with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., once while working the switchboard at his father's law practice.

Mr. Watson was born in Philadelphia on Jan. 15, 1938, to Rufus and Arline Watson. He attended Philadelphia public schools and graduated from Central High School.

He graduated in 1959 from Fisk University, a historically black university, where he studied math. He put those skills to use as a substitute teacher in the Philadelphia school system, where he taught while attending Temple Law School.

He graduated with honors in 1962 and joined the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, eventually going out on his own, said Fatima Williams, a daughter.

While Mr. Watson was representing a client at the 18th Police District, he met a female officer working the late shift. The two were married for 31 years. Gwendolyn Watson died in 2001, Williams said.

Mr. Watson's love of the law was legendary, and he kept an active license up until he became ill, his daughter Lauren Haye said.

As a criminal lawyer, Mr. Watson represented a retired police lieutenant charged with killing his wife, a husband and wife who beat their 2-year-old to death trying to exorcise demons, and a suspect in the kidnapping of four boardinghouse residents. He once contacted a Philadelphia Daily News editor to arrange for a client's surrender in connection with the killing of a Bucks County druggist.

But for his senior clients who just needed a simple will, deed, or advice for their estate, Mr. Watson would often accept barter for his services.

"His soul could be bought for food," Haye said.

Their father had a knack for finding the best restaurants no matter what city, state, or country he visited, the daughters said. At home, he was an expert at the barbecue, cooking up pork or chicken for his friends and family while passing along the finer points of mastering the grill.

Mr. Watson, a Republican, was also politically active. He ran for elected office, was a member of the Committee of Seventy, and served as a ward leader, Williams said.

He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and was involved with Jack and Jill of America, the Old Philadelphians, and the Shriners.

Mr. Watson remained an active member of the NAACP, Quaker City Elks, Golden Leaf Pinochle Club, and the Pennsylvania Bar Association until his death.

Since 1997, Mr. Watson had been a member of Vine Memorial Baptist Church in West Philadelphia.

In addition to his daughters, Mr. Watson is survived by a son, Lawrence R. 3d; a brother; and nine grandchildren.

A public memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Vine Memorial Baptist Church, 5600 W. Girard Ave. Burial was private.