Donald Albert Watson was born on January 6, 1934 in McAllen, Texas to his parents, Roy and Angelina Watson.  He passed to his heavenly home with family by his side on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 in his home at the age of 86 years.

Don was a 1952 graduate of Franklin High School, graduating salutatorian of his class.  During his high school athletic career he earned 18 letters in sports. Don attended Texas A&M University.  He played football for the Aggies and attended the Junction Camp in 1954.  He was a distinguished Military Honor graduate of Texas A&M University class of 1956.  Upon graduation, he served in the United States Army in the 101 ^st Airborne as a Captain.  Don coached football at Virginia Tech, University of Houston, Tulane University, University of South Carolina, and Texas A&M University.  In 1969, he joined L.G. Balfour and Taylor Publishing Company and after 26 years he retired in 1995.  He married Mary Helen Bethune on March 13, 1996 in Madisonville, Texas.  They made their home in The Woodlands, Texas.  He was of the Christian faith.  Don was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Angelina Watson and son, Robert "Bobby" Donald Watson.

Don is survived by his wife of almost 24 years, Mary Watson of The Woodlands.  He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Lee Watson Horton and her husband David Horton of Tyler and his daughter, Kellee Leeann Walker of The Woodlands.  He is also survived by his brother, Richard "Dick" Watson of Franklin and his three grandchildren, Dylan Watson, Cailyn Watson, and Travis Walker.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. at the Franklin United Methodist Church.  Burial will follow in the Franklin Cemetery.