David “Dave” E. Watson 1940 - 2021
WATSON, SHANHOLTZER, JONES
Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 10/12/2021 at 13:19:43
David “Dave” E. Watson, 81, of Onawa, Iowa passed away Sunday, September 26, 2021 at Maple Heights Nursing Home, Mapleton, Iowa.
A memorial service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 2, 2021 at the Rush Family Chapel, Onawa, Iowa with Evangelist Dale Wolf officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Family Care Service, Onawa, Iowa.
Dave was born May 22, 1940 in Aitkin, Minnesota to Floyd and Erma (Shanholtzer) Watson. He was number six of thirteen brothers and sisters. He graduated in 1958 from Aitkin High School in Minnesota. Dave farmed with his father for about a year, then took a job in Iowa with Booth and Olsen construction as a heavy equipment operator. Dave also worked for Herb Leaply’s bowling alley, Bus Beedle garbage truck, and local gas stations. In 1964 Dave went to Camp Dodge Police Academy and became a police officer, working for the city of Onawa, for fifteen years. Then he transferred to the City of Onawa Light Department. He retired from the city after thirty-three years of service. During this time, Dave also worked as a bartender, and worked for local farmers. Dave decided retirement was not for him so he went back to work at Western Iowa Coop for ten years.
Dave enjoyed restoring (five) ford tractors, gardening, hunting, and ice fishing in Minnesota. He loved going to Minnesota for the Watson Family Reunion, taking his Iowa steaks to barbeque for the family, and going “uptown” to enjoy some Miller Lites and country music. His nickname was “Toby”.
Dave married Myrtle Jones in February of 1960. To this union three children were born, Terry, Greg, and Jodi. Dave and Myrtle later separated. In 1978 he met his companion Judy Richardson spending thirty-four years together. His family and friends will always remember him as a hardworking, giving man who always had a smile on his face.
Survivors include his children, Terry (Bonnie) Watson of Blencoe, Iowa, Greg (Peggy) Watson of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and Jodi Watson of Onawa, Iowa; grandchildren, Tiffany Jenkins, Brandy (Barry) Nelson, Terry (Stacey) Watson, Jr., and Leah Watson; grand pup, Jax Watson; great - grandchildren, Yasmin, Gage, Nevaeh, Paisley, and Barret Nelson, Brant and Mason Watson, and Jace Simpson; two off the street adopted boys, Donnie Bouslaugh and Heath Nelson; Judy’s children, Sheila Cole and family, Luann (Tom) O’Doherty and family, Carlann (Kevin) Messenbrink and family, and David (Amy) Richardson and family; his brothers and sisters, Allen (Lavonne) Watson, Bert Watson, Celia (Rick) Doty, Cheri Funk, and Glen (Barb) Watson; many nieces, nephews, and friends, including special friend, Ken “MaBell” Mertes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Erma (Shanholtzer) Watson; brothers, Clifton, Clyde, Hugo, Lloyd, and Kile; sisters, Opal Beck and Faye Fowlds; and companion Judy Richardson.
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