Dennis Watson Obituary

Dennis Horton "Denny" Watson

Apr 4, 1927 - Oct 17, 2023

Westlake

Dennis Horton "Denny" Watson, 96, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, at Arden Courts, Westlake.

He was born April 4, 1927, in Elyria, to Don and Alice (Peabody) Watson.

Denny is survived by his son, Craig (Jill) Watson of Monroeville, Pennsylvania; daughters, Erin (Russell) Williams of Rocky River and Nancy Watson of Canton; grandchildren, Victor (Rebecca) Watson and Aubrey Watson, Ryan Williams, and Keeley (Kevin) Hanzlick; and great-granddaughters, Ophelia and Penelope Watson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Catherine (nee Murdock) Watson; and sister, Alice Planta.

Denny was a resident of Westlake and formerly of Perry, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Painesville, and Wakeman, where he graduated from Wakeman High School in 1945. Before that graduation ceremony, Denny enlisted in U.S. Navy and served as a corpsman for four years. Following discharge from the Navy, he completed a bachelor's degree in History from Defiance College and later obtained a Masters in Education from Western Reserve University. He worked as a teacher and administrator, including Principal, at Riverside High School in Painesville, and later retired as Assistant Superintendent for Lake County Schools in 1990. Denny was an active member of First Church Congregational in Painesville as well as Painesville Lions Club.

Along the way, Denny met the love of his life, Cathy, while working as a hand at Cathy's family farm. Denny loved time with family and friends, dancing with Cathy, and is well-known for his story-telling talents and endurance. Denny and Cathy loved to travel and were often found on the road to visit family and friends all over the United States, Canada, and beyond.

Visitation for friends and family will be 4-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at Johnson Funeral Home, Painesville. Denny's memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, at First Church Congregational, 22 Liberty Street, Painesville. The Rev. Tom Cofer will officiate. The family will receive friends at a luncheon in the church social room immediately following the service. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Brownhelm Cemetery, Vermilion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made by check to Painesville Lions Club and sent to PO Box 633, Painesville, Ohio, 44077.

Donations will be used to support Lions Club causes such as vision care, diabetes, pediatric cancer, hunger, and the environment.