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Luke Stevens Watson

Luke Watson Obituary

WATSON Luke Stevens Watson, age 80, passed away on January 23, 2012 at Northview Senior Living Center in Johnstown, OH. Luke was born in Athens, GA on October 9, 1931. He was the son of Luke and Stella Watson, and the brother of Reynolds and Vincent Watson. Dr. Watson served as a consulting Psychologist to a number of Nursing Homes in the Westerville area, including Northview, from 1990 until his retirement in 2007. He was survived by his three daughters and their husbands, Heather and Matt Jones, Julie and Laurence Dunne, and Alden and David Harover; along with his grandchildren, Olivia, Rachel and Victoria Jones and Michael, Annie and Samuel Harover. He was also survived by his brother, Vincent; four nieces and a number of great-nieces and nephews. A private family service will be held at a later date. The family remembers with fondness and graditute the staff and residents of Northview and Hospice of Central Ohio.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jan. 27 to Jan. 29, 2012.

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Joseph Dix

August 23, 2012

I am saddened to hear of Dr. Watson's passing. I found this out today. He was my mentor and friend who gave me my first career boost in the 1970s when he recruited me from Georgia to work with him in Alabama. He was one of the most intelligent men that I have ever known, and his warm personality and great sense of humor were unmatched. I will always be in debt to him for his influence on me. There is so much that I owe to him.

Rick Mcginley

February 2, 2012

Although i didn't have much time with Luke, there was a stretch of time where I got to know him. During that time, he somehow had a way of communicating to me things noone else could. By just talking to me he was able to help me get thru some extreme times for me, just by changing my outlook. He helped me get through more days that he ever could have known..I will always be grateful for that.

Dr. Luke S. Watson with Dr. Joan F. Bassinger (wife)

Julie Dunne

February 2, 2012

Dad at Julie's wedding 1997

Julie Dunne

February 2, 2012

Luke S. Watson left with fellow professors

Julie Dunne

February 2, 2012

Dad in his younger years looking determined

Julie Dunne

February 2, 2012

Dad with Julie 1968

Julie Dunne

February 2, 2012

Dad braving a carnival ride with two daughters Heather and Julie

February 1, 2012

Luke Watson with family

February 1, 2012

Dad used to love fine leather jackets

Julie Dunne

February 1, 2012

Dave Dever

February 1, 2012

I'm glad that I got to know Luke and enjoyed talking with him at Northview. I'm am especially thankful that my mother Helen met him. They kept each other company by talking, watching TV together and having meals together. I think that helped both of them enjoy life a lot more. He will be missed. Dave Dever

Heather Jones

January 31, 2012

You challenged me to be more, dig deeper and think differently. You taught me all people have value and it is okay to be different! You loved being my Daddy and I loved being your daughter! You taught me pIggy back rides and morning cuddles are a must along with your silly sounds and songs! I see so much of you in what I do with my girls! Thanks for all the love, fun and memories! You were a great Daddy! I will miss you more than you know!

January 31, 2012

I was an associate of Luke's when he worked at the Columbus Developmental Center. He was a major innovator in the training and establishing behavior modification methods for the severely and profound developmentally disabled.Most of his work in the l960-1980 was recognized throughout the US and he received grants, published and was a significant contribuator in helping people work in this area. He was dedicated to making things work and established classes and staff training. His work was a cornorstone for others to follow and I was pleased to be a associate. Betty Bradley, Psychologist LN 983 Overbrook Clinic.

Marna Beatty

January 31, 2012

Luke was a nationally recognized researcher and published many books including those specific to teaching children with autism, long before many even recognized autism. I met Luke when he returned from Florida and stayed with good friends and fellow Psychologist Chris Sanders. Luke began consulting through our practice, Overbrook Clinic, and he also worked with The Bridge Counseling Center. In addition, he had his work with older adults in nursing homes which Phyllis coordinated. I had long heard of the famous Dr. Luke Watson and his work and it was certainly an honor to work with him. At Overbrook he specialized in anger management and anxiety groups. Luke would always give us Christmas cards each year and I wondered how he found the time. Luke contributed much in his work as a Clinical Psychologist! He will be long remembered and missed!

Alden Harover

January 30, 2012

I remember my Dad Luke's love of nature when I was growing up. I remember lots of walks, along the river, and through OSU campus, feeding the squirrels with nuts we picked up at a nearby peanut stand; I remember camping trips and hiking through Hocking Hills. Sometimes he would let me bring a friend, and he never told us to be careful, even when we crossed a long and seemingly precarious log across a creek bed. I was worried about being dirty when we stopped at a restaurant for a snack, and he told me I shouldn't worry about it. I remember one day on a river bank, learning to skip stones and blow blades of grass to sound like a duck, and trying to carve driftwood with a pocket knife that Daddy had bought me that day. I thank God for giving me a Dad, and for the parts of me that he helped influence and shape. I remember spending a visit with my Dad and my Grandpa, sharing a steak dinner that Grandaddy cooked, listening to them laugh and reminisce about old times. I, too, look forward to seeing you again Daddy. Love, Alden

Laurence Dunne

January 30, 2012

I remember you walking your dog out by the lake behind your home in Westerville. I remember you calling Julie every sunday at the same time. I remember you being a very bad passenger. I remember you being there for Phyllis when she died. I remember you having to go to the gym twice per day. I remember you skipping the line on the way into the restaurant and picking up everyones check on the way out. I remember you taking us to Benihanas the night before our wedding. I remember sneaking beer into the nursing home for you. I remember you flirting with the nursing staff. Julie talks very fondly of your helping her with her homework and driving her to her horse. Rest in peace. See you in the next life. - Laurence

January 29, 2012

I love you so much, Dad. You are at peace now. I will remember all your sharp wit and sarcasm. I will remember how you used to study social studies with me. You would spoon feed me the information. You had such patience. I hated that subject. I will remember how you used to take me to my horse every weekend and ride next to me in the car so I could ride him to the house. You did so much for me.

You were so funny, Dad. You were always on a diet and you were never fat. You took good care of yourself and really lived life.

I will remember your larger than life lectures you gave at the workshops when you ran BMT. I remember your patience with all us women, especially Mom. She could really test your patience, and Heather and I inherited her strong personality, yet you laughed and appreciated us for all of our idiocyncracies.

I cannot wait to see you in the new life where there is no more suffering or pain. We will live together forever in a paradise earth, and you will have more children, and I will finally have some. Our families will grow and we will all be abundantly blessed.

Until then, have a good rest. I will be the face you see when you wake up.

Love always,

Julie

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