Michael Watson

Michael Watson passed away on April 4, 2025, at home surrounded by family after a short battle with sepsis. He was born in San Pedro, California, on August 3, 1948, to Uriel Bernard and Laura Ann (Stout) Watson who predeceased him. After graduating from Fairmont High School, he joined the United States Air Force, serving in a Red Horse (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers) unit in Vietnam. Upon discharge, he studied at Wright State University, graduating with a degree in physical anthropology and archaeology. While at WSU, he met his wife, Claudia Lynn Watson (nee Hudgens). They married on December 21, 1974, recently celebrating their fiftieth anniversary. Michael worked for many years as an archaeologist in Ohio, West Virginia and the southeastern United States, and later worked in oil exploration and as a real estate appraiser. His two children, Christiana Rose Douglas and Graham Marshall Watson were the pride of his life, as were his grandchildren, Evelyn (Moon) and Charley Douglas, and Benaiah, Ames, and Jotham (JoJo) Watson. Michael and Claudia have also been blessed with a wonderful daughter-in-law Samantha Marmolejo Watson, and son-in-law Matthew Douglas who provided invaluable support during Mike's final journey. We love them dearly.
Over the years, Mike and Claudia shared their home with a wide variety of dogs and cats who were adored and spoiled, and Mike was responsible for saving the lives of many animals who would never have had a chance without his rescue efforts. One of these special fur-kids was Pogo, a deaf Australian Shepherd who became Mike's "heart dog" and who we are sure was waiting for him. She was the first deaf dog adopted out by SICSA and Mike's success in training her meant that SICSA from that time on adopted out deaf dogs (instead of considering them unadoptable). He is survived by his "heart" cat, Merlin the Gray, who will miss him deeply, and two Australian Cattle Dogs, Tula and Waylon. A private service will be held later for his family and friends.
Thanks also to Hospice Care of Middletown – they are angels who made it possible for him to pass at home peacefully without pain. Please consider donating to them if you wish to make a donation in memory of Mike ~ https://hospicecareofmiddletown.org/donate. We could not have made it through this trying time without their kindness. They were available day and night with gentle and willing hands that offered love, comfort, and relief from pain.
Dalton Funeral Home, Germantown, serving the family. Please share condolences at daltonfh.net