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Thomas Richard Watson

1931 - 2023

BORN

1931

DIED

2023

About

Ohio State University

Thomas Watson Obituary

Thomas Richard Watson

October 22, 1931 - November 10, 2023

Thomas Richard Watson, age 92, passed away Friday, November 10, 2023. He was born to the late Wade and Sarah (Daugherty) Watson on October 22, 1931, in Danville, OH. After serving two years in the US Army from 1953 to 1955, Tom graduated from The Ohio State University in 1960 with a master's degree in education and music and was a member of The Ohio State University Marching Band. He met his wife, Helen, at Ohio State and they were married in 1954. Tom spent his professional career as band director and music teacher within the Sylvania Ohio public schools. His Sylvania High School bands regularly received Superior ratings in state competitions and were highly regarded in Ohio. Tom was also an active member of The Sylvania United Church of Christ for over 60 years serving as deacon and member of the music committee and choir.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Sarah Elizabeth "Libby" (Daugherty) Watson; and his brothers, George and William Watson. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen Marie (Click) Watson; his brother, Roy Watson; and four children, Danny "Doc" (Gayle) Watson, Dennis (Rose) Watson, Roy (Barb) Watson and Thomas (Catrina) Watson. Tom was a beloved grandfather who is survived by seven grandchildren, Daniel Watson ll, Eleanor Watson, Maria Watson, Andy Watson, Madeline Watson, Michael Watson, and Megan Darst. He was also dearly loved by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Throughout his life Tom shared his musical talents with his church, through private lessons given to students, and as a member of two Civil War bands. He truly enjoyed all his students, and their respect was exemplified by some pursuing a career in music education and many frequently seeking him for continued advice and friendship.

A private Memorial service for immediate family only will be held on November 20th at Dublin Retirement Village in Dublin Ohio. A public celebration of Tom's life will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Ohio State University College of Music or the Sylvania United Church of Christ.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade on Nov. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Watson

18 Entries

Tim Taylor

April 20, 2024

He was the first to introduce me to the clarinet in 5th grade. He was kind, thoughtful and caring. He was my band instructor all through Jr and Sr High. He was a gifted music educator and I benefitted greatly in life because of him!

Tom Fleming

December 9, 2023

This is Tom Fleming, SHS 1966, cornet and French horn player in Tom's band. I just watched his funeral service on line and thank you for all the memories. Tom was my favorite teacher throughout those school days; he was an inspiration and blessing to us all! During the slide show at the beginning of the service I took 6 photos and wonder if I could have the family's permission to put them on the SHS facebook page for the years '65, '66 and '67? You can email me at the address I note below with an answer or if you want more details. Thank you! Tom

Dennis Watson

December 8, 2023

For those that may be interested-

Tom and Helen Watson will be memorialized together on Saturday December 9th at the Sylvania United Church of Christ at 2:00 pm EST. Helen Marie Watson, Tom's wife of 69 years, passed away a mere 19 days after Tom on November 29th.

I apologize for not posting this sooner.

John

December 4, 2023

I never knew him personally. Nor did I play in the band. But I grew up next-door to Northview´s hill. Every summer, day after day, the band would rehearse at the bottom of that hill by the 10 mile creek while he stood up on the hill directing them. And every day one of my neighbors, a 20 something man with an intellectual disability, would join him. My neighbor would pretend to direct the band, and Mr. Watson encouraged him. Gave him a purpose every day Mr. Watson did. It was quite beautiful. I believe my neighbor also "directed" the band at many of the actual home football games. Thanks for that.

Kari L Engen

December 2, 2023

Mr. Watson was my band director and my trombone instructor. He was a strong influence in my musical endeavors through school, and encouraged me to excel, even though I was not the best trombonist in the band. There must be hundreds of students with the same story as me. I was honored to be a part of his bands. He made Northview band members play well together as well as individuals, no matter how talented each of us were. What a legacy.

BOB KEEZER

December 1, 2023

Tom Watson was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. At Sylvania High (1961-1963) I had the honor of serving as a percussionist in the marching band and concert band under his direction. We reunited in 2013 for my 50th high school reunion and I so very fortunate to be welcomd into his lovely wife, Martha. He touched so many lives and we were enriched for knowing him. RIP Tom

Bev Benner

November 24, 2023

If anyone hears of a public celebration of Tom's life can you pls let me know. it is hard to grieve alone.
class of 67
Bev Fleming Benner

bev fleming benner

November 22, 2023

Mr Watson and band was one of the best parts of Sylvania High School for me. He was ever so kind and made band fun. Even though he was a brass player, he took the time to learn the clarinet so he could help us. SHS class of 1967

Carolyn Dicks

November 20, 2023

Tom and I frequently shared a music stand in the Dodworth Saxhorn Band. His excellent playing ability never diminished with age, nor his enthusiasm to make good music! I will truly miss him.

christine Major

November 19, 2023

So very sorry to hear of Mr Watsons passing.
He will be missed ..

Connie Shiple

November 19, 2023

Connie Shiple Ewald
I am a proud member of SHS
1975 graduating class. I have fond memories of symphonic band concerts, state competitions, marching band, ( routines designed by Mr Watson) and private lessons all prepared me for performing with the oldest legion band in Ohio ( Genoa American Legion band) and Owens community band. Thank you Mr Watson for your encouragement.

Chris Walen

November 19, 2023

Mr. Watson always made band fun. He was a great teacher. I can still see him directing and teaching us. I was his student in 5th/6th grade. I bet he would be very proud to know that I am in my 34th year as a music teacher, which includes many years as a band director. RIP Mr. Watson . Chris Walen

Austin Saylor

November 19, 2023

Mr. Watson was an inspiration to so many who took band at Sylvania Northview. A kind man who pushed us to create beautiful music and respect the art. I recall the times he would ask some of us over to his house during the Ohio State vs Michigan games so we could play the fight song!! He is already greatly missed and his family has my prayers for comfort. Rest easy, sir, and know you touched a lot of us and you are remembered.

Thomas Reber

November 19, 2023

Mr. Watson was a highly skilled teacher who always got the very best out of whatever group of students happened to be in his band in a given year. A humane teacher, he balanced discipline with kindness. Having been a Sylvania High School band member in the late 1960s and early 1970s, I will always have fond memories of him.

Nancy Duenki Billings

November 19, 2023

Being in the band at Sylvania High School was the best part of high school and Mr Watson made it that way! RIP.

Nancy Sass Hamilton

November 19, 2023

Whenever I reflect on my high school years, Mr. Watson and band are always foremost in my memories. He was an inspiring teacher and a kind man. I hope his family realizes how influential he was, even to those of us who don't have great musical skills but enjoyed learning and trying to create beautiful music. He will always be remembered as one of the best educators. Thank you, Mr. Watson.

Jeanne Gembolis Basnight

November 18, 2023

Mr Watson was my high school band director when I played clarinet in the 1960's He instilled in me a love a music He was a very caring teacher. I have posted a photo from the 1960's. I feel for your loss and will keep his family in my prayers.