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 (Curtis) of Alma; a son, Dr. Gregg Watson (Kim) of Highland, Calif.; and five grandchildren, Matt Vinson (Jade) of Bentonville, Olivia Lloyd (Curtis) of Fayetteville, Noah Watson of Portland, Ore., and Seth Watson and Hannah Watson of Highland, Calif.
Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gateway Seminary at www.gs.edu
To place an online tribute, go to www.edwardsvan-alma.com.
