Don Watson, 80, of Van Buren, passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2022 in Fort Smith. He was born November 2, 1941 in Alma to the late Marshall and Margaret (Hanna) Watson. He was a 1959 graduate of Alma High School, and a 1964 graduate of the University of Arkansas. He retired from Riceland Foods, and was a Deacon for 30 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Alma, and the Drew County Historical Society. He was an avid baseball fan and collector, and loved the Razorbacks. He established a church softball/baseball team in Memphis, and was the president of the Rotary Club.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Charles, Gordon and Ed Watson.
He is survived by his wife, Laura Watson of the home; a daughter, Sarah Howells and husband Curtis of Alma; a son, Dr. Gregg Watson and wife Kim of Highland, CA; and five grandchildren, Matt Vinson (Jade) of Bentonville, Olivia Lloyd (Curtis) of Fayetteville, Noah Watson of Portland, OR, and Seth Watson and Hannah Watson of Highland, CA.
Family-hosted memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022 at First Baptist Church Alma. Those attending from the Alma High School Class of ’59 are requested to wear a little something green and gold. Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home in Van Buren.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gateway Seminary at www.gs.edu
