Joe Donald Watson

Joe was born on December 14, 1948, in San Antonio, Texas, to J.D. and Gloria Watson. He grew up in Midland, Texas, where he was active in sports, theater, and band. After graduating from high school, he attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, and later Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, intending to study law. However, before completing his undergraduate degree, his draft number was announced for the Vietnam War. In response, he joined the United States Air Force, serving for two years before continuing his military career as a naval officer for 20 distinguished years. Throughout his service, he traveled the world and ultimately retired with the rank of Commander.

During his time in the Navy, Joe earned an MBA, an Executive MBA, and studied at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. His dedicated service was recognized with several commendations, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and three Navy Commendation Medals.

Following his retirement from the Navy in 1994, Joe was finally able to fulfill his lifelong dream of studying law—an ambition delayed by war and 22 years of military service. He earned his law degree from the University of Maryland and practiced in Montgomery County, MD, for over 20 years before retiring in 2013.

Joe’s love for his family was as deep as his love for his country. On January 15, 1994, he married Constance Salemi, and together they blended their lives and hearts, uniting Joe’s four children and Connie’s three into one large, loving family.

Joe embraced life fully. He loved golf, sailing, and traveling the world with Connie. For 20 years, he sang in the celebrated Little Flower choir. A lifelong learner, he was a passionate amateur meteorologist, bibliophile, and historian, with a particular fascination for early medieval Anglo-Saxon history. He was also a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Tech Red Raiders, and Washington Nationals.

Joe was a beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Connie; his children: Bryan Watson and his partner Shay Driscoll, Molly and Patrick Hermes, Kevin Watson and his partner Chris Eames, and Jon and Michelle Watson; his stepchildren: John Averitt and Anne Dodgen-Averitt, Elizabeth Averitt and her fiancé James Peterson, and Amelia Averitt and Evan Giordanella; his grandchildren: Clarke and James Hermes, Kinsey and Hazel Watson; and his step-grandchildren: Maren Averitt, Roman Giordanella, and Charlotte Peterson. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Gary Wood; his nephew and niece, Michael and Sarah Wood; and his brother-in-law, Robert Salemi.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Gloria Watson (née Richards).

The family invites friends and loved ones to a visitation for Joe on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC Funeral Home, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington, DC. A funeral Mass to celebrate his life will be held at Little Flower Parish in Bethesda, MD, on Saturday, March 15, at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joe’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Lord Jesus, our redeemer, you willingly gave yourself up to death, so that all might be saved and pass from death to life. By dying you unlocked the gates of life for all those who believe in you. So we commend Joe into your arms of mercy, believing that he will share a place of happiness, light and peace in the kingdom of your glory for ever.

Amen