Donald Edward Watson

We, the extended family of Dr. Donald E. Watson are writing to inform you that Don, at 96, passed away into the arms of his Savior on June 20, 2020, in Vista, California, with his two daughters present. He believed there was no one more ready to meet Jesus than he.

He will be missed by those of us who remain behind and greeted in Paradise by those who knew and preceded him.

Dr. Watson will be interred next to Deloris Watson at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.

Dr. Watson and the family prefer that memorial gifts of remembrances be directed to Diversified Christian Ministries, P.O. Box 1370, Carlsbad, California 92008. Dr Watson served the Lord under this non-profit organization for 30+ years. Don's grandson, James Walton, will take over and lead the ministry with an agenda of missions involving young people.

A Brief Biography:

Don was born December 20th, 1923, in Palouse, Washington. He was the youngest of the 5 children of James and Agnes Watson. Don cherished his years in Eastern Washington attending grade school in Palouse and High School in Pullman. He spoke often of Palouse, the wheat harvest, and small-town life.

A member of the "Greatest Generation," Don entered the armed forces during World War II. He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force serving in the Philippines and during the post-surrender occupation of Japan.

While in the military he met and courted the love of his life, Deloris Detmer of Spokane, Washington. During this time Don received the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior at the Euclid Avenue Baptist Church and married Deloris in that church on September 15th, 1946.

They remained joyfully married for over 62 years until Deloris went to be with the Lord in 2008. Don suffered with her loss but is now reunited with her in heaven. Their faith clearly was the foundation of their lives together...

Don's Christian education began at Northwestern Schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was President of the Student Body at the same time Billy Graham was President of Northwestern Schools. From there Don continued at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. He graduated with his B.A. degree while pastoring a small church. He earned M.A. and Doctor of Ministry degrees at the California Graduate School of Theology in Glendale, California.

Don and Deloris raised five children; Daniel, Dennis, Deborah, Donell, and Douglas. We presented Don and Dee with 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren (with two more on the way). Twelve of his children, grandchildren, and their spouses have served the Lord in full or part-time roles in church and missions ministries.

Dr. Watson's ministerial career spanned over 30 years beginning as pastor of the Community Church of Summerland, California while attending Westmont College. Following that he served as Youth for Christ Director in Spokane, Washington followed by Minister of Youth at Calvary Baptist in Santa Barbara. Dr. Watson served as Senior Pastor at Elmhurst Baptist in Oakland, California, First Baptist of St. Johns in Portland, Oregon, Whittier Hills Baptist in Whittier, California and the First Baptist Church of Oceanside, California. Don had the privilege of hosting 14 trips to the Holy Land for his friends and church members.

We ask for your prayers as we celebrate Don's life and as we adjust to his new home in the presence of Jesus. We know that he would want to conclude this letter with an invitation. If you have not already done so, we invite you to seek the forgiveness, peace, and assurance that a relationship with the true and living God and His Son Jesus brings. Jesus said, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Don knew the rest Jesus offers. He knows it much more deeply now.

On behalf of the family,

Daniel and Janis Watson