Merle Watson, a Caddo Mills native, began his new life in Christ on Thursday, October 29, 2020.
A graveside service will be 2:00 P.M., Monday, November 2, 2020 at Caddo Mills I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00 P.M.-4:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home.
Mr. Watson was born on December 21, 1932 to Claude Watson and Pauline Stevens. Merle proudly served in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany. After serving, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science from East Texas State University.
Merle began as an educator teaching in Campbell, Lone Oak, Mesquite, and most notably Caddo Mills where he served as high school principal, math teacher, and coach. Merle was a distinguished businessman founding several businesses in Caddo Mills including Watson Insurance, a Farmers Insurance branch, which he ran for 47 years. He was a member of Caddo Mills First Baptist Church, where he was a former deacon.
Merle could often be found with a guitar or bass in hand. He enjoyed playing country and gospel music with several bands throughout Texas. Merle founded the Caddo Mills Opry in 2004, where you can still hear good ole country music today.
Merle loved traveling and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters and dog Mopsy.
He is survived by his wife, Kay Watson of Caddo Mills; daughter, Tia Parsons and husband G.T. of Caddo Mills; foster daughter, Sandy Cotten and husband, Gerald of Caddo Mills; grandchildren, Rachel Teel and husband, Jarrett of Greenville, and Rebecca Roush and husband, Brody of Dallas.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, John Alvin Watson, Bill Watson, and Thad Watson.
We are requesting that everyone limit the size of gatherings during the viewing due to concerns regarding Covid. Please feel free to come and pay your respects, but limit your contact with others per recommended guidelines from the CDC.