Concord------Rev. Orin Dale Watson, 97, died Sunday, March 26, 2017 at Havenwood Heritage Heights, Concord, surrounded by his loving family.
Rev. Watson was born November 1, 1919 in Morrill, Nebraska, the son of John Jay and Zepha Velda (Lundy) Watson. He graduated from Morrill High School in 1937 and received a BA Degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1949 and a BD degree from Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois in 1952.
Rev. Watson worked as a ship fitter at Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, CA from January, 1941 to May, 1944. He served in the U. S. Navy from June, 1937 to October, 1940 and June, 1944 to January, 1946. He served as a ship fitter on the USS New Orleans (Heavy Cruiser), USS Colorado (Battlewagon) and the USS YRD#8 (part of a floating Dry Dock).
Rev. Watson began serving Methodist Churches in January, 1947 in Pauline, Nebraska while he was a sophomore in college. He served other churches in Nebraska, Washington State, Illinois and New Hampshire. He was ordained Deacon in October, 1951 and Elder in June, 1952 in the Methodist Church at Grand Island, Nebraska. In his ministry, he was certified as a Minister of Education serving churches in this capacity with memberships of 2200–2600. He retired from the United Methodist Church in June, 1985. He then served as the Pastor of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Weirs Beach, NH from September, 1987 to July, 1993.
Rev. Watson was married to Lovetra Jane Hobbs on August 3, 1947 in Springfield, Missouri. Two daughters were born to this union, Harriet Lee Wilson born August 3, 1948 of Palm Bay, Florida and Lynne Haven Anthony, born May 9, 1952 of Evansville, Indiana. His wife, L. Jane Watson, died November 6, 1982 in Iowa City, Iowa. In July 4, 1986, Rev. Watson was married to Esther E. Clark at Geneva Point Center, Moultonborough, NH.
After retirement, Rev. Watson became an accomplished woodworker and artist. His other hobbies included stamp collecting, counted cross stitching, needle point and crewel. Music was also important with him.
Rev. Watson is remembered for his energy and enthusiasm in preaching the Gospel and continued challenging of people in their faith. He was noted as saying many times “Pray and then put feet to your prayers”.
Rev. Watson is survived by his two daughters; a sister, Naomi Staab, of Morrill, Nebraska; two grandsons, Jeremy Wilson of Palm Bay, Florida and Jason Wilson of Schenectady, NY; five great grandchildren; two step daughters, Mona Dore of Fernando, Florida and Myla Crouse of the Woodslands, Texas; one step son, Miles Clark, of Northfield, NH; seventeen step grandchildren; five step great grandchildren and eleven nieces and nephews. Three brothers, Ervin Watson, Gordon Watson and Lloyd Watson preceded him in death. A stepson, Mark Clark, and a step grandson also previously died.
Calling Hours will be held Sunday, April 2, 2017 from 2:00- 4:00pm at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH using the Carriage House entrance.
A Funeral Service will be held, Monday, April 3, 2017 at 10:00am At the Wesley United Methodist Church, 79 Clinton Street, Concord, NH.
Burial will be at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, IL at a later date.
Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is in charge of the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.