Donald D. Watson

Donald D. "Don" Watson, 86, of Topeka, died September 28, 2015, at Stormont-Vail Hospital. He was born May 17, 1929 in Hillsdale, KS the son of Harry and Jessie (Massey) Watson. Don attended and played football at Washburn University where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After serving his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict he returned to college graduating from the University of Kansas. His career included serving as the director of claims for the Pan-American Life Insurance Company in New Orleans. Don was a business partner for 20 years at the Buchman Seed and Feed Company in Paola, KS where he later became president. He then was Director of the Kansas Grain Inspection Department for State of Kansas. Later when the department was privatized, he was the first director and was later the Chairman of the Board for 10 years. Don was the Manager of Mor-Kan Elevator in White City, KS and a board member of the Grain and Feed Dealers Association. He was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, Topeka. While living in Paola he was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church serving on the Holy Trinity Catholic Church School Board. Don was a member of the American Legion Post #0156, the Rotary Club and the Miami County Fair Association. He enjoyed his family, flying, fishing, vegetable gardening and an avid supporter of KU Football and Basketball. Don married Joan Buchman on May 4, 1957 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Paola. She survives. Other survivors include their children, Paul Watson and his wife Molly of Goddard, KS, Donna Laroux and her husband Greg of Kouts, IN, Margaret King and her husband Ric of Cheyenne, WY, David Watson and his wife Shelly of Hinsdale, IL, Jeff Watson and his wife Pam of Topeka, Jim Watson of Scranton, KS, and Matthew Watson of Ft. Worth, TX. Seventeen grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Watson. He was cremated. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Don's family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. A Parish Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. Graveside service with military honors will be 3:00 P.M. Friday at Holy Cross Cemetery in Paola. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to St. Matthew Catholic Church or the Marion Clinic sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.