Martin "Eugene" Watson

Martin “Eugene” Watson of Merryville, LA passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the age of 96. Eugene was born on June 25, 1928, in the Bivens Community of Merryville, LA to William “Jesse” and Audrey Warner Watson.

Eugene attended Merryville High School and upon graduation in 1947, he joined the U. S. Navy, serving from 1948 to 1952. After his time in the Navy, Eugene attended Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. In 1956, he married his wife, Daneiva “Danni” and settled in Sweeney, TX where Eugene worked for Phillips Petroleum for 15 years. In 1971, Eugene and his family moved back to Merryville, LA where he and his wife purchased Benoit’s Grocery changing the name to Watson’s Grocery. After leaving the grocery business, he was the Administrator for the Merryville Housing Authority, a carpenter & plumber in the community, and an MHS bus driver for 10 years before retiring in 1991. Eugene has been a faithful Christian and member of First Baptist Church for many years and a dedicated Deacon since 1991. Upon retirement he loved traveling and following his grandkids and great grands in sports.

Eugene is survived by his wife of 68 years, Daneiva, “Danni” Watson of Merryville, LA. His children: Terri Thompson and husband (John) of DeRidder, LA., David Watson and wife (Kim) of Merryville, LA., and Tammie Midkiff and husband (Craig) of Merryville, LA. Brother: Melbourne Watson of Merryville, LA. His Grandchildren: Kristin Thompson Schoenfeld, Lacie Watson Grubbs, Lee Midkiff, Leah Watson Wheeler, Lacia Midkiff Kay, Kandace Thompson Balden, Lance Watson, Lauren Midkiff Outlaw, and Travis Thompson. His 24 Great-Grandchildren who lit up his world.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Jesse and Audrey Watson, Brother: Alfred Watson, Brother In Law: Darval Midkiff and Arvis Midkiff, Sister In Law: Claudia Watson, Carolyn Midkiff, Syble Midkiff and Lillian Watson, Great-Grandson: Weldon Creed Midkiff

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024 in the chapel of Myers-Colonial Funeral Home at 1:00 pm officiated by Bro. Robert Dukes. Visitation will be held at Myers-Colonial Funeral Home from 11:00-1:00 pm. Burial will follow services at Beauregard Cemetery. Those honored to serve as Pallbearers are: Lee Midkiff, Lance Watson, Travis Thompson, Hayden Kay, Ricky Perry and Floyd Stark. Honorary Pallbearers: Bill Edmonson, Charlie Hyatt, W.D. Goodeaux, Bruce Havens, Dennis R. Powell, and Mike Cournoyer.

On behalf of the family, they would like to thank the DeRidder Retirement Nursing Home and St. Joseph’s Hospice for taking such great care of Eugene and his family.