Donald "Don" Gale Watson

Donald Gale Watson was born June 24, 1938 to Marvin and Stella (Reeves) Watson in Caledonia, Missouri and passed away June 28, 2019 at his home in St. James, Missouri at the age of eighty-one years. As a young boy Don grew up near Benton Creek and attended school in St. James, Missouri. He accepted the Lord as his Savior in his early 40's at Calvary Temple Church and then followed in baptism in a local river. November 1955, Don entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his Honorable Discharge in November 1958. Don was united in marriage to the love of his life, Irene Treece, on May 4, 1957 in Vienna, Missouri. Together they shared sixty-two years of marriage and were blessed with seven children: Debbie, Wanda, Brenda, Dillard, Anna, Colleen and Donald Jr. Don worked hard to provide for his family. He had various jobs through the years to include: truck driving, timber work, sawmill work and work in the salvage yards; he eventually retired as a Machinist in Cuba, Missouri. In his spare time, Don enjoyed being outdoors. He loved to work on his farm where he raised cows, chickens and pigs. You could also find him by the waters fishing for crappie and catfish. In his early years, he did enjoy hunting until his wife started trophy hunting and eventually out did him. Spending time with his family is what Don treasured. They made several memories camping at Pomme de Terre Lake and at Land Between the Lakes. He was proud of his family and cherished his time spent with them. Don was also the author of a book called "Rhythm Of The Road". A true story about his life as a young boy. He was eighty years old at the time the book was printed. Don leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Irene Watson of the home in St. James, MO; children, Debbie Gregory of Pensacola, FL, Wanda Watson of Navarre, FL, Brenda Pollard and her husband David of Salem, MO, Dillard Watson and his wife Mandy of Salem, MO, Anna Martin and her husband Richard of St. James, MO, Colleen Watz and her husband Derek of Pacific, MO; one sister, Minnie Jordan of Salem, MO; one brother, Oscar "Bud" Watson of Eldon, MO; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his son, Don Watson, Jr.; grandson, Chris Pollard; great granddaughter, Emma Casey and aunt, Fanny Hurt, whom Don was raised by. Don was a wonderful husband, devoted father, loving grandfather and caring brother. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Funeral Service for Donald Gale Watson was held Wednesday, July 3, 2019 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Jimmy Lewis and Pastor Mike Cronk officiating. Song selections played were: "Grandpa, Tell Me Bout The Good Old Days", "The Old Rugged Cross", "When I Get Where I'm Going" and "Go Rest High On That Mountain". Serving as Pallbearers were: Donald Watson, Matthew Pollard, David Payne, Eric Ayers, Robbie Payne, Shawn Pollard, Ben Martin and Aaron Pollard. Honorary Pallbearers were: Joey Alexander and Michael Alexander. Burial with Military Honors was in the Asher Cemetery of St. James, Missouri. All arrangements were under the care and direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri.

Donald "Don" Gale Watson

June 24, 1938 - June 28, 2019