Robert Watson

MOUNT GILEAD - Robert "Austin" Watson, age 27 of Mount Gilead, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at his home.

Austin was born on September 18, 1998, to Robert Andrew Watson and Lisa Kaye (Varner) Watson at Dewitt Army Community Hospital in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He graduated from Mount Gilead High School in 2018 and worked at the Central Ohio Farmers Co-op for 6 years in the feed mill and grain departments. He will be missed by his coworkers and customers and remembered for his grumpiness in the mornings.

He enjoyed hunting, going to Sprint car races, and golfing. He also found joy in Figure 8 racing and playing cards on Friday nights with the Dixon family. He was a member of the Mount Gilead FFA and enjoyed showing pigs at the county fair. He was a member of the Junior Fair Board for one season. He rooted for the Ohio State Buckeyes and even went to several games. His NFL team was the Green Bay Packers. His support for the Packers was inspired by his cousin Levi and Uncle Bob. He also liked to play xbox games and met so many friends from all across the country online. Going to the Speedway for the week with his friend Brock also brought him joy.

Austin always had a smile on his face. His friends and family were a huge part of his life. He often played with some of the children in the family, considering them family himself.

Left to cherish Austin's memory are his mother, Lisa Watson; father Robert (Angela) Watson; sister, Rachel Watson and her mother, Lyndayle Jones of NC; step-brother, Dakota Toups; Uncle Bob (Melissa) of OH, Aunt Tammy (Bob) of OH, and Uncle Matthew of CA; grandma Susan (Will) Anderson of MN; grandma Ileen Watson McFarland of TX; grandma Karen Varner of OH; and his best furry friend, Buddy the cat. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and so many friends. He was preceded in death by his great-grandpa, Robert Anderson; grandpa Terry Watson and Grandpa Gene Varner; and friends, Trevor Clark and Alex Shaffer.

Austin's family greeted friends and visitors on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 5 - 7 PM at Snyder Funeral Homes, Mount Gilead Chapel, 67 N Main Street. In honor of Austin's love for hunting, please come to calling hour in your best camo gear. Funeral services were begun at 10 AM on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial was followed at Waldo Cemetery. After the burial, the family invited anyone who would like to come and share stories and memories of Austin to The EndZone Bar and Grill in Mount Gilead.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" for the efficiency and professionalism of the Mount Gilead Police Department and the Mount Gilead EMS and Coroner team. Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to serve Austin's family during this difficult time. Special memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting our website, snyderfuneralhomes.com