Dr. John William Watson, aged 68, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 25th. He was surrounded at home by his family: Pat, Stephen, Abigail, and Joy Watson.
John was born on April 11th, 1942 to the late Herman (Pete) and Mary (Moyer) Watson in Polo, Missouri. He was raised in Missouri, outside Independence, until he moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1959. He moved to Marion, Ohio in 1971.
He married Laurel Davison, who preceded him in death in 1985. He married Patsy (Pat) Martin in 1987 and she survives. He is also survived by his three children, Stephen of Columbus, Abigail of Columbus, and Joy Watson, of Marion and his brother, Harry Watson of Las Vegas, Nevada and his sister, Joyce Watson of Carlsbad, California. He was preceded in death by his sister, Margie Watson of Prescott Valley, Arizona.
In 1971, he moved to Marion, Ohio. At that time, he was a founding faculty member of Engineering at Marion Technical College, and in 1976, he founded Marion Christian Center where he served as Senior Pastor till the present.
Nicknamed “Apostle Eagleman”, Dr. John lived his life to make Jesus famous. In a world where leaders sometimes push their own agendas, Pastor John’s ministry was centered on helping every person he met fulfill his or her God-given destiny. He wrote numerous manuals (over 50) on the Christian Life and taught the Bible to many Marion and surrounding area TV viewers for almost 15 years. An avid reader, he was often seen with several newspapers on his desk, as well as the many piles of books he was reading through, not to mention a beloved Holy Bible.
In his family life, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and children, whether it was taking walks, sharing stories, or relaxing in his favorite chair watching the Golf Channel or ESPN while their three dogs sat in his lap.
He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and three grand-nephews as well as thousands of people around the world who considered him a spiritual father.
His life verse was from Proverbs 4:18; “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” His battle cry was “Your Glory Jesus!” To know John Watson was to know a true servant of Jesus Christ.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Marion Christian Center, 1550 Richland Road, Marion. A celebration service will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 1:00 P.M in the Marion Christian Center with visitation starting at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Ron Rayon Celebrant. The burial will follow in Marion Cemetery. Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors are handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the John W. Watson Memorial Account at any Fifth Third Bank (Central Ohio Affiliate).
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