Obituary for David Watson, Jr.
DAVID WATSON, JR., 93 of Pylesville, MD, formerly of Delta, PA, died in his home on Sunday, April 11, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Carolee M. (Horn) Watson with whom he had shared 56 years of marriage at the time of her passing in December 2010.
Born on August 14, 1927 in Churchville, MD, he was one of five children born to the late David C. Watson and Dorothy Edith (Haga) Watson and a 1944 graduate of the former Highland High School in Street, MD. After graduation, David served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy from September 1945 to September 1949 as an airman during WWII. His love for country was undeniable; he was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #182 of Whiteford, MD where he had served as past commander as well as holding numerous offices and duties. He had served on the Boy State Legion selection committee for many years that offers two high school boys a chance to go to Annapolis for a week each summer to learn about government and politics.
David had worked for 30 years as a quality inspection engineer for the AAI Corporation of Cockeysville, MD, retiring to concentrate on community service in the mid 1980’s. He was a pillar of the community and served on the Patriot Program Selection Committee for northern Harford County. This program offers elementary students an opportunity to learn more about country, patriotism, state/county geography and American history.
Strong in his faith in the Lord, David had worshipped at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Perry Hall, MD from 1954-1978 followed with the former Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Pylesville, MD and most recently at Highland Presbyterian Church in Street, MD. He was dedicated to his family supporting his daughters in school and their activities. He enjoyed being outdoors- doing yardwork, camping as well as fishing were some of his favorites. He adored his grandsons and always found time to follow the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles. He will be remembered as an amazing father, having a great sense of humor; his fond smile and kind spirit will be missed.
He is survived by:
Three daughters-
Kathy Watson of Delta, PA
Deborah Vierling and her husband, Dennis of Forest Hill, MD
Bethany Schmidt and her beloved husband Michael who passed in October 2020 of Pylesville, MD
Two grandsons-
Troy Vierling of Forest Hill, MD
David Schmidt and his fiancé, Jaelyn Wallace of Savannah, GA
His grandson, Kyle Vierling who passed in May 2019.
Two great grandchildren-Ayden and Layla
His sister, Edna Pauline Snyder of Delta, PA
Additionally, he was preceded in death by his siblings-Helen Lanius, Paul Watson and Howard Dale Watson.
A viewing will be held on Friday, the 16th of April from 7-9 p.m. at Harkins Funeral Home, 600 Main Street, Delta, PA.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church 1100 Philadelphia Road, Joppa, MD followed with interment in Bel Air Memorial Gardens with military honors presented by the United States Naval Honor Guard. The Legion Riders of his post will lead the procession to the gravesite.
Reverend Raymond Meute, Jr., Pastor Harry Biles and Pastor Mel Kirk will co-officiate.
His family would appreciate memorial contributions to:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.st.jude.org
The American Legion Post #182, 2217 Whiteford Rd., Whiteford, MD 21160
Born on August 14, 1927 in Churchville, MD, he was one of five children born to the late David C. Watson and Dorothy Edith (Haga) Watson and a 1944 graduate of the former Highland High School in Street, MD. After graduation, David served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy from September 1945 to September 1949 as an airman during WWII. His love for country was undeniable; he was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #182 of Whiteford, MD where he had served as past commander as well as holding numerous offices and duties. He had served on the Boy State Legion selection committee for many years that offers two high school boys a chance to go to Annapolis for a week each summer to learn about government and politics.
David had worked for 30 years as a quality inspection engineer for the AAI Corporation of Cockeysville, MD, retiring to concentrate on community service in the mid 1980’s. He was a pillar of the community and served on the Patriot Program Selection Committee for northern Harford County. This program offers elementary students an opportunity to learn more about country, patriotism, state/county geography and American history.
Strong in his faith in the Lord, David had worshipped at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Perry Hall, MD from 1954-1978 followed with the former Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Pylesville, MD and most recently at Highland Presbyterian Church in Street, MD. He was dedicated to his family supporting his daughters in school and their activities. He enjoyed being outdoors- doing yardwork, camping as well as fishing were some of his favorites. He adored his grandsons and always found time to follow the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles. He will be remembered as an amazing father, having a great sense of humor; his fond smile and kind spirit will be missed.
He is survived by:
Three daughters-
Kathy Watson of Delta, PA
Deborah Vierling and her husband, Dennis of Forest Hill, MD
Bethany Schmidt and her beloved husband Michael who passed in October 2020 of Pylesville, MD
Two grandsons-
Troy Vierling of Forest Hill, MD
David Schmidt and his fiancé, Jaelyn Wallace of Savannah, GA
His grandson, Kyle Vierling who passed in May 2019.
Two great grandchildren-Ayden and Layla
His sister, Edna Pauline Snyder of Delta, PA
Additionally, he was preceded in death by his siblings-Helen Lanius, Paul Watson and Howard Dale Watson.
A viewing will be held on Friday, the 16th of April from 7-9 p.m. at Harkins Funeral Home, 600 Main Street, Delta, PA.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church 1100 Philadelphia Road, Joppa, MD followed with interment in Bel Air Memorial Gardens with military honors presented by the United States Naval Honor Guard. The Legion Riders of his post will lead the procession to the gravesite.
Reverend Raymond Meute, Jr., Pastor Harry Biles and Pastor Mel Kirk will co-officiate.
His family would appreciate memorial contributions to:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.st.jude.org
The American Legion Post #182, 2217 Whiteford Rd., Whiteford, MD 21160