Orville LaDean "Dean" Watson

Orville Ladean “Dean” Watson passed away on January 19, 2023, at his home in Harrison while in the arms of his beloved wife.  He was born in Paxton, Illinois, on July 2, 1957, to Donald and Shirley Watson.  He grew up in Greenland and was a 1975 graduate of Greenland High School.

He began his working career at the age of 16 and ended it when he was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 64.  He was a proud member of Southern States Millwrights Local 216 and loved his jobs which took him all over the U.S.  Although a millwright by trade, he enjoyed doing woodwork and making gifts for others.  His other hobbies included golfing, deer and elk hunting, fishing, camping, boating, riding motorcycles, and traveling.  His favorite trips included camping in the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico.  He was especially fond of Red River, New Mexico.  He enjoyed cooking for loved ones.  His favorite dishes were burritos, steak, lobster, shrimp, chili, drunk chicken, and pecan pie.  He had a sweet tooth for Ghirardelli chocolates, hot fudge sundaes, and peanut butter cookies.  He had a passion for art with a specialty in sketching portraits.  He loved animals and owned several dogs during his lifetime.  He loved old western movies, romance movies, and dancing to country music.  He was a romantic himself and got great pleasure out of spoiling his wife with cards, flowers, jewelry, and dinners.  He always put others before himself and wanted nothing more than to make people happy.  He was a Christian and lived his life with high moral beliefs.

Survivors include his wife, Michelle Watson of the home; his mother, Shirley Culver of Greenland; his sisters, Cheryl (J. C.) Harp of Farmington, Donna (Rick) Tomlinson of Greenland, Lori (Dwight) Goodner of Mena, Jan (Brian) Graham of Kansas City, Missouri; his daughters, Kristi (Jon) Ramsey of Greenland, Deena (Allen) Bell of Springdale, Nichole (Matthew) Burner of Parachute, Colorado; his stepchildren, Stacey (Michael) Tribble of Purvis, Mississippi, Karlie Guy of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Clay Wallis of Omaha, Becca (Colin) Jackson of Harrison, Josh Wallis of Ozark, Missouri; his grandchildren, Olivia, Emma, and Hank Ramsey of Greenland, Kylee, Kat, and Griffin Bell of Springdale, Trysten, Colton, and Kimberlynn Burner of Parachute, Colorado, Trevyn Davis of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Paisley Wallis of Omaha, Kayden Wallis of Ozark, Missouri, Canaan Jackson of Harrison; and numerous extended relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Eugene Watson, and his late wife, Cheryl Lynn Watson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at New Sulphur Freewill Baptist in Prairie Grove, AR, on Saturday, February 11, at 2:00.  A graveside service will be held at Salus/Pine Grove Cemetery in Salus, AR, on Saturday, March 11, at 2:00.