Donald E. Watson
Donald E. Watson
Donald E. Watson, 89, of Hillsboro, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
He was born in Plumville, Pa. on Sept. 2, 1935, the son of the late John and Monabell (Colkitt) Watson.
His is survived by his wife, Joyce Ann (Coil) Watson, whom he married on May 19, 1979; two daughters, Monna Leigh Lamb and Donyel Michelle (Shane Mosier) Watson; son, Donald (Dawn) E. Watson II.; granddaughter, Amirah Watson; three grandsons, Bentley and Ethan Watson and Kaleb Lamb.
Don was an Army veteran during the Korean Conflict. He owned two business, Professional Adjustment Company Inc. and Watson & Associates Inc. He also was in show business from the age of 15 to 74. He recorded his first recorded at the age of 15 on WAM records under his professional name, Johnny Holiday. He recorded under that name until 1977 having eight hit records, TV, radio shows and three small parts in movies. He managed a band in the 1980s named "Moon," and they had two hit records.
Don left show business until 1991 and decided to record under the name DEW Watson. He received a recording contract on Bold 1 Records and was the No. 1 selling CD for the record company. He was seen on TV shows in Nashville called "Nashville Now", Cook & Chase and Record Review. He left Bold 1 Records and signed with B.C.R. Records, Ontario, Canada. Don was with B.C.R. Records for 14 years. He had many No. 1 records and received many music awards worldwide.
He was also a member of five music hall of fames, received from the State of Tennessee "Ambassador of Goodwill" signed by the Governor 2002; became a Kentucky Colonel in 2002, signed by the Governor, received an achievement award from United States Congress 2004. He was also the M. C. ,for 13 years, for the Airplay International Award Show in Nashville, Tenn, produced by Jason Hawkins and Jennifer Foxx.
Some of Don's hobbies were playing golf with his late friend, Nick Boldi, fishing and vacationing with his wife. He was also a member and Deacon of the Hillsboro 1st Baptist Church.
On behalf of Don's wishes, he is to be cremated.
Thompson Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 12 at the Hillsboro 1st Baptist Church. Services will start at 1 p.m. with military rites conducted by the Highland County Honor Guard.
To sign Don's online guest book, please visit www.thompsonfuneralhomes.com or to leave a like, share or comment, visit Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Care Facebook page.