Darrel Watson, 72

Graveside services for Darrel Watson, 72, of Noble, were held Feb. 16, 2021, at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Wasola with Mike Vlad and Milan Chisam officiating. Mr. Watson died Feb. 13 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis with his family by his side. 

He was born Nov. 19, 1948, in Gainesville, the son of Doin V. and Uldeana “Deanie” Scott Watson. He was a successful dairy farmer for 34 years then retired in 2012 to run a cow/calf operation, which he continued up until his death. He served as the Wasola Volunteer Fire Department chief for many years and also as a medical first responder and firefighter. He was the first one on scene on many emergency calls. In 2015 he was given an award as an Everyday Hero by the American Red Cross. 

On March 5, 1967, in Thornfield, he married Audean Lawson and they were blessed with three children, Kelly, Keith and Scott. After Audean’s death in 2014, Mr. Watson married Gina Frazier on Oct. 14, 2017, in Wasola.

Mr. Watson’s happiest days were spent working on his farm with his family around him. He also enjoyed helping anyone he could. Darrel taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work, persistence and taking care of your neighbors. He loved attending bluegrass festivals and jams with his wife, Gina, and traveling out west. He was a Christian and attended Barren Fork church of Christ. 

He is survived by his wife, Gina; his three children and their spouses, Kelly Thomas and husband Kurtis, Keith Watson and wife Nina, and Scott Watson and wife Julie; two step-children, James Morrison and wife Shannon, and Rita Fox and husband Bruce; six grandchildren, Kane (Kellie), Amanda, Aaron (Janette), Kayla (Ryan), Ryan, and Kirsten (Seth); eight, step-grandchildren, Michael, Casey, Jaimie, Cole, Kaitlin, Blaine, Serenity, and Jimmy; three great-grandchildren, Kathlene, Dakotah and Kase, and another due in August; three step-great-grandchildren, McKinley, Bentley and Mackenzie and another due in April; two brothers, Delmas Watson and H.B. Watson; three sisters, Lorine Huitt, Evelyn Evans and Jenice Pollock; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Audean; three sisters, Pauline Wallace, Maggie Lou Watson and infant Alice Watson; two step-great-grandchildren, Lexie Porter and Carly Morrison.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oak Grove Cemetery or to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Online condolences may be expressed at clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava. 

Ozark County Times

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