John Dana Watson

John Watson, 63, passed away on February 12, 2022 in Longview. He was born on May 17, 1958 in Gilmer, TX to the late Dan and Mary Jane Downs Watson. John married Mary Harper on June 17, 1985 in Gladewater.

John was a hard worker. He spent 18 years working at Rescar in Longview and then in March of 2006, started working as the supervisor in the blast and paint department at Breco in Gladewater, working there until the time of his passing. Several buildings in the Gladewater area have been the recipients of John's meticulous painting skills. While John had a strong work ethic, he also knew how to enjoy time away from work. He played baseball and liked to go fishing. Later in life he took up golf and loved the sport as well as sharing time spent teaching and playing golf with his family. John also enjoyed music and playing the drums, which he was able to do at the church he attended in Gladewater, Abundant Life. Above all, family was of utmost importance to John. He was also a true patriot to his country.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; children: Danan "DJ" Watson of Gladewater, Amanda "Mandee" Harriman and her husband, JD, of Lansing, MI; Jason and his wife, Shawn, Spears of Gilmer, Nicole and her husband, Gary, Bonini of Longview; Dustin and his wife, Pamela, Watson of Big Sandy; and Ben and his wife Shannon, Watson of Longview; his grandchildren: Caleb and Cade Spears; Steve and Michael Herriman; Johnpaul, Nicholas, Courtney and Abigail Bonini; Drue, Aerron, Garrett and Levi Watson, Hunter Kegarise, as well as Pappa's little man - Hayden Dodson; his siblings: Lee Fields of Tatum; Francis Hale of Alfred, TX; Ollie Wilson of Lebanon, MO; Nancy Singleton of Hawaii; Laura and her husband, David, Mitchell of Gilmer; Janey and her husband, Chris, Jempty of Gilmer; in addition to numerous extended family members.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Mary Jane Watson; brother, Jimmy Watson and his infant baby sister.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 10:00 am at Abundant Life Church in Gladewater. A visitation will take place Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater. Interment to follow the services at Mt. Pisgah cemetery.