Walter Lewis Watson

Walter Lewis Watson, 87, of New Philadelphia, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 in Union Hospital at Dover following a short illness.

A son of the late Clarence and Cleo (McCune) Watson, Walter was born June 11, 1927 at New Philadelphia, Ohio.

Walter was a veteran of the United States Navy and was a well-known home builder and developer in the area. He was one of the founding members of the Homebuilders Association of Tuscarawas County and was also a life member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge #510.

He was an accomplished woodworker and cabinet maker and enjoyed spending time in his workshop. Walter also enjoyed fishing in his spare time.

He is survived by his wife, Freda (Cline) Wern Watson; his children, Claire (Carl) Milyiori, Mark (Sherrill Edwards) Watson, Jeff (Bonnie) Watson, Jayne (Bill) Swinderman), Kent (Susan) Watson and Kerby (Julie) Watson; two step children, Amy Wern Moore and Jeff Wern; 17 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 6 step-great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; a sister, Marjorie Mardis and two sisters-in-law, Shirley Watson and Wilma Watson and several nieces and nephews.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, June (Casebeer) Watson; an infant grandson; a sister, Vivian Watkins; brothers, James R. Watson, C. Robert Watson and Richard Watson; a sister-in-law, Marian Watson and two brothers-in-law, Paul Watkins and Philip Mardis.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2015 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia and again one hour prior to the service on Monday. A funeral service celebrating Walter’s life will be held on Monday, February 16, 2015 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with Mr. Dale Gowins officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following the committal service a luncheon will be held in the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia.

Contributions may be made in Walter’s memory to a charity of one’s choice