Donald G. Watson, 85, of Warren, PA, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice Home in Warren, PA. Born on October 20, 1931 in Abington, PA, Don was the son of the late Conrad and Margaret Watson. Don graduated high school in Lansdale, PA, and later received a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from Penn State University where he was a member of the ROTC. He served with the U.S. Air Force from 1954 until 1956, where he was discharged with the rank of First Lieutenant. Don had a great sense of humor and loved his grandchildren. He was a member of the Otter Run Hunting and Game Club and the Phoenix Investment Club. He enjoyed going to flea markets, car shows, photography, collecting anything brass and all kinds of antiques. He enjoyed antique car restoration and even had a 1959 MG Convertible that he road in the 4th of July parade every year. He had been employed for many years with GTE Sylvania and later was Vice President of Truck Lite. In his later years, he enjoyed getting articles together and mailing them to his camp friends. Of all of his accomplishments, Don was most proud of the long term friendships he had made throughout his life.
Don is survived by his wife, Patricia J. Thayer Watson, whom he married in 1956 in Midwest City, OK, 1 Daughter – Donna Austin and her husband, David, of Highland, Michigan, 3 Grandchildren – Cody Austin and his wife, Tiffany, Catlyn Austin and her significant other, Zach Stavedahl, and Layne Austin, 1 Great-granddaughter – Oakley Austin, 1 Brother – Gerald Watson and his wife, Annette, of Souderton, PA, 1 Sister – Doris Gerges of Hatfield, PA, 1 Brother-in-law – Charles Thayer and his wife, Molly of Palm City, FL, 1 Sister-in-law – Linda Thayer of Port St. Lucie, FL, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Watson.
Family and friends may call on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA, from 10:00A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at which time a memorial service will be held with Rev. Marcus Briggs, Chaplain of Warren General Hospital, officiating. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to place a memorial may do so through Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Avenue, Warren, PA, 16365, for the benefit of the John and Orpha Blair Hospice Home, or to a charity of one’s choice. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Don was a good friend. Our friendship started at Truck-Lite when the company was still struggling to survive. He wasn’t very “conventional” and was willing to try new things and new ways. Some of his thinking helped keep the company going. He had strong convictions, but respected those who stood for their beliefs, even if he didn’t always agree. Don was one of my mentors. We had fun discussing politics and finance and people, even though we didn’t always agree. He left a lot of friends that are going to miss his “Truck-Lite Mottley Retiree get-to gathers.”
Rest in peace, Don. You have left this world, but you will not be forgotten!
To the family of Don Watson,
I would like the express sympathy for your loss of Don. I knew Don from our visits at Otter Run. I really enjoyed conversing with Don at the cabin. He always had an interest in what I was doing at work and at home. He was a good man and will be missed by many. God bless all of you.
Kurt Westbrook
I’m so sorry to learn that Don is not with us any longer. He was a great friend to my parents and our whole family. We were neighbors in Iowa.