Gerald D. Watson

Rev. Gerald Duane Watson, 90, was born January 7, 1923 in Warsaw, NY and died at the VA Hospitals Hospice Care Unit in Erie, on June 28, 2013.

He graduated from Intercession City, FL Bible College in 1951 and attended Allegheny College in Meadville in 1951. He pastored Girard Free Methodist (FM) Church in 1951, North Kingsville, OH FM Church from 1951 to 1962, began & pastored Ashtabula, OH FM Church from 1962-1978, Ellwood City, FM Church from 1978-1988, traveled with his wife Frances (Tovey) in musical evangelistic ministry from 1988-1990 and pastored Conneaut, OH FM Church (where he was additionally responsible for an extensive church sanctuary renovation project) from 1990-1992.

In addition to church pastoring obligations in Ashtabula, OH, he made Corvette body parts at Inland Container and worked for several years at True Temper. Rev. Watson is well known for his passion for 'doing the Lords work', comforting families in crisis, being a peacemaker, and his ability to solve problems. Always having a ready laugh, he was a loving husband and father who never backed away from a challenge. He was a selfless, patient and caring man who always looked for a persons good side, never saying an unkind word about anyone.

Gerald Watson served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943-1945 where he saw active duty, ranking Sergeant T4 in Africa and Italy. Upon his Honorary Discharge he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal and The European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with four Bronze Stars for meritorious service during battles fought in Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Northern Apennines, and the Po Valley.

Gerald Watson is survived by his wife of 66 years, Frances (nee Tovey); daughter Darlene Jordan (Dan, deceased), Upland, IN; daughter Carol Klinehamer (Joe), Bratenahl, OH; son Ray, Leesburg, FL; brother John Wesley Watson, Conneaut, OH; 6 grandchildren (Jill, Eric, Michele, Marc, Chad, Heather), 5 great-grandchildren (Jacob, Madelynn, Jackson, Sevastian, Maizy) and Dennis Ullery long-time family confidant.

Rev. Watson was preceded in death by his parents Milo & Ida (Dutton) Watson and sisters Genevieve, Dorotha, Helen, Hilda & Ardis.

Public viewing will be held Wednesday, July 3, 2013 from 11 to 1 at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut Street, Meadville, where Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 PM with Rev. Rick Crocker officiating.

Interment with Full Military Honors by VFW Post 2006 will take place in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Vernon Twp.

Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com