Richard Watson, Sr.
Richard (Rick) Deyrl Watson, Sr, 74, a current resident of Glasgow, KY, passed from this life to the reward he sought for 43 years on November 20, 2024.
Rick was born in Duncan, Oklahoma, on October 31, 1950, to the late Rex and Mary (Johnson) Watson. He spent his childhood and early adulthood in the same town where he was born. He met Susan Carolyn Miller when he was 12 years old. They would go on to be high school sweethearts and married on April 18,1969. They had 2 children together, Deyrl and Amy.
After a series of bad decisions, Rick would find himself incarcerated in federal prison with a sentence of 8-25 years for bank robbery. It would be in his prison cell with fellow inmates, that he would find his salvation and purpose for the rest of his life.
Rick was released from prison in September 1988 and immediately began work as a prison minister. In 1989, his ardent prayer of reconciling with his wife and children became a reality as he and Susan remarried on August 19, 1989.
Rick was instrumental in establishing prison ministry works throughout Oklahoma and Arkansas for the past 36 years. He retired in 2021 as his health challenges kept him from continuing.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 45 years Susan Watson, sister Donna (Kenny) McIntosh of Jenks, Oklahoma, son Deyrl (Jill) Watson, of Taylorville, Illinois, daughter Amy (Scott) Peden of Glasgow, Kentucky, nephew Joe (Jodi) McIntosh of Denver, Colorado, and four grandchildren Alexandra and Josiah Watson, Genevieve Ezzell and Maryella Peden. In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by nephew Dylan McIntosh.
Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Coral Hill Church of Christ Building with cremation to follow. There will be no prior visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be sent to Potter Children’s Home, 2350 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101. Arrangements entrusted to Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home.
Our condolences to Susan and the family. We love you all.
Prayers for the Family we Love You.
With my love and hugs to all of you. Rick was a great servant of God. He left a very special legacy.
What a remarkable story of the way God rescues us from our own mistakes. Our love and prayers are with you.
I am sorry I will not be able to be there today. My prayers and the will be with you all
Rick ministered to my husband in Arkansas Dept. of Corrections where Rick established the Varner Unit church of Christ. He enabled them to have communion after my husband was incarcerated 6 years without it. After release, the Lord blessed him with the privilege of going back inside as a prison minister providing communion for brothers in Christ there. The work blossomed to the point that there are around 14 volunteers from 5 different congregations serving 3 different prisons in the state. Rick’s passion in serving men inside has saved countless souls, and his legacy in Christ continues on. We are so very thankful for Rick and the love of his family as he took time to minister inside. God’s blessing to you, and thanks forever, Rick.
Ann Frost, and Brad