Donald Dale Watson, 84, passed away peacefully at home early in the morning on Saturday, November 25, 2017, from bone cancer.

Don was born on March 5, 1933, in Coleville, Washington. He was born to Tom and Eulah Watson, and raised with one brother and five sisters. He learned all the trades that came with living on a farm before starting his first job logging.

He later spent eight years as a Master Sargent for the National Guard.

He met the love of his life DonnaJean Greenman, whom he called "Twig". They married on March 8, 1951, in Blue Creek, Washington. They were later blessed with two children: David and Dee.

Don worked mainly as a shovel operator with Felton Construction, and this job offered many opportunities to see new places, including Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Don and Twiggy loved the outdoors. They spent free time fishing, camping and picking huckleberries. The Mount Saint Helens area became a regular weekend destination.

After retirement, the couple moved to Idaho where their daughter and her family lived, and where they were soon joined by their son and his family. Still, they enjoyed spending their winters where it was warm. One of their favorite spots was Lake Havasu, Arizona, and they spent their summers in Flaming Gorge, Utah.

Don loved chatting with anyone and everyone, and had an honest interest in all of their stories. He loved his wife and family more than life itself. He was lovingly known as Husband, Dad, Papa, and Pa Don. In his last days, he was surrounded by many family members and his new friends, Pastor Mike Glaser and Chaplain Kenny McMurphy.

We all knew we were loved, and his favorite words to us all were, "I love love love you." He will be greatly missed.

Don is survived by his wife, DonnaJean "Twig" Watson; his sister, Lavonna (Bob) Bemis; his son, David (Diane) Watson; his daughter, Dee (Brent) Rausch; five grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.

We want to thank Encompass Home Health and Hospice. The family does thank you all for your prayers and concern.

In lieu of flowers the family askes that you make a donation to your favorite charity in Don's name or to a local senior/retirement home in your area.

There are no services scheduled at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com .