DONALD WATSON

DONALD WATSON 07/17/1937 - 01/03/2026 Donald "Don" Ray Watson, 88, of Midwest City/Choctaw, Okla., entered this life on July 17, 1937, and gained his heavenly crown on January 3, 2026, after a lengthy battle with dementia. Don was born in Meeker, Okla., to Powell and Mary (Porcupile) Watson. He grew up in Jacktown on the family farm with parents and seven siblings. Don attended White Rock School and graduated from Meeker High School with the class of 1955. While in high school Don played baseball and basketball, lettering in both sports. After high school, Don moved to Clarksville, Ark., to attend what is now University of the Ozarks. He graduated in 1959 with a degree in Divine Studies. After graduation, Don became a field director for American Red Cross. His assignments called him to serve in Texas, Germany, Turkey and North Dakota. When he had the opportunity while on assignment overseas, he explored the Holy Lands. Don was blessed by Pope Paul the VI on Christmas Day of 1963. He concluded his American Red Cross career in 1965. Upon returning home, Don attended Central State University and earned his Master's Degree in Education. He then completed his Administration Certification at University of Oklahoma. Don also became a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves serving at Tinker Air Force Base. Don was introduced to Lola Patricia "Pat" Cooley through his sister-in-law, Mary Watson and her husband, daddy's brother June. Don was stationed in Texas at the time so after meeting Pat, the two wrote letters to each other, only going on four dates. Don proposed to Pat over the phone in April and they were married on August 7, 1964, at First Baptist Church in Wilburton, Okla. Don and Pat enjoyed 61 years of marriage. As the words in sickness and in health began to emerge, Don always looked for, relied on, wanted to make sure Pat was cared for. Her love and care gave him the opportunity to remain at home for an incredible amount of time. Pat was his true love, his security, his comfort, his heartbeat. Together, Don and Pat raised their only child, Kelli Watson Hosford. When Kelli married Glen, Don immediately took Glen as a son. Don's grandchildren, Dr. Alanah Hosford (Sarah) and Donovan Hosford were his world. Grandad, as he was called, never missed soccer, basketball, band, school plays, church programs, birthdays or a chance to get donuts on Saturday morning. Grandad loved playing UNO, Go Fish, cars and trucks, driving through the Christmas lights or picking them up from school. Don and Pat built many additional memories as grandparents traveling to Texas, Disney World, the beaches of Florida, the Grand Canyon, Santa Fe, San Diego, San Francisco, Pasadena, the Holiday Bowl, Rose Bowl and parade, New Orleans, a Caribbean cruise and a Disney cruise to see their incredible Sarah as a Disney princess. Don spent 29 years as an educator for the Mid-Del School System. He taught 6th grade at both Soldier Creek Elementary and Cleveland Bailey before becoming an elementary school principal at East Side Elementary and his last tenure at Sooner Rose Elementary. During his time serving as an educator, he was involved with Rotary Club of Midwest City. While teaching, Don worked for Thompson's Book Depository to earn money so he and Pat could build a home and have Kelli. He was greatly loved and respected by his staff, students and parents for the consistency he provided, the structure he built, the expectations he held of himself and others, the belief he had in his people, the firm but fair philosophy, and the relationship of trust and confidence he built with everyone who walked through the door. His students especially loved their principal's fancy suits, ties and shoes that he wore daily, even on casual Friday. They used the phrase man of great character, incredible role model, we always knew he loved us. Upon retirement from Mid-Del, Don worked for University of Central Oklahoma supervising student teachers all over the OKC metro area for over 10 years. Don was a follower of Christ. When he earned his degree from University of the Ozarks, Don resided over his first service March 29, 1959, at First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood, Ark. Don was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Midwest City for over 50 years. Don spent his time as member of the Kitchen Sunday School Class, several rotations on the Session and chairing committees such as the Pastoral Search Committee, Personnel Committee, Finance Committee and Building Committee. Don loved ushering and welcoming people to church as well as serving communion. Don and Pat became members of Meadowood Baptist Church in later years. At Meadowood, Don faithfully attended Sunday School and worship until his health no longer would allow. Don will always be remembered for his faith, servant heart, being a loving son, son in law, brother, brother-in-law, husband, daddy, grandad, uncle, cousin and friend. Don was steady, consistent, reliable, trustworthy, a caretaker, and giver of thoughtful wisdom. Don was always kind and a gentleman. He was an avid reader and fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Don believed in finding the good in every person and situation, respect for all, welcoming everyone to the table, and that love always wins. Don is survived by his wife, Pat, daughter Kelli and her husband Glen; as well as his grandchildren, Alanah, Sarah and Donovan. Don is also survived by his brother, Clayton "June" Watson and his wife Mary, his sister Joy Southard (Mike), sister-in-law Carolyn Armes (Stan)Funderburg, sister-in-law Gale Edwards (Richard), sister-in-law Dixie Cooley; and an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends, Glen's brothers, sisters and spouses, as well as many bonus daughters and grandkids that spent time in their home and Glen and Kelli's home. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Powell and Mary, his sister, Beulah Knesek, brothers, Powell, LeRoy, Wayne, and sister Mary Lou; brother-in-law Robert Knesek, and sister-in-law Pat Watson; bonus parents, Doyle and Opal Cooley, brothers-in-law Wayland Cooley and Ron Armes; as well as his niece Allison Watson Bowman and nephews, Jon Knesek, Larry Knesek, Justin Cooley, Jason Cooley and Ryan Dullea. Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10 a.m. at Meadowood Baptist Church in Midwest City. Visitation will be Friday, January 9, 2026, with the family present from 4 to 6 p.m. Barnes, Friederich and Pope on Sooner Road, formerly Ford Funeral Services. Flowers are always appreciated, however, in lieu of flowers, donations are welcome in honor of Don to the American Red Cross.