Darrel Burdett Watson

Darrel Burdett Watson was born in Sidney NE April 21,1926 to James Carr and Lillian Dame Watson. He was the youngest of six; James (Junior), Duane (Swede), Pauline (Sue), Forrest (Snooze) and Calvin. His family moved to Holyoke CO where he grew up. Somewhere along the way, he picked up the nickname “Wee Willy” which became Bill to his family and friends. He played football and he and Snooze were basketball stars for Phillips County High School. He left high school in 1943 to join the Navy at 17. His father signed the consent because his mother refused – she already had 4 sons in the Army. He served in the Pacific theatre as a gunner’s mate second class on the minesweeper, USS Oracle. He returned to Holyoke in 1947 and met the love of his life, Frances Nierman. They were married in Amherst on December 19, 1948. They made their home in Holyoke where Bill was a bartender at the VFW. When Barbara was born in 1949, he was recruited to help with her delivery! In 1952 he was delivering mail for the post office the day Mark arrived. Shortly after, they moved to Sidney NE where he was a fireman for the Sioux Ordinance Depot. Kim was born in Sidney in 1956 where they lived in Sioux Villa. In 1959, the Watsons moved to Fort Collins where people know him as Darrel. He worked at the post office and the cement plant before he hired on at the Fort Collins Fire Department. Gail’s arrival completed the family in 1960. Darrel was Assistant Chief when he retired in 1980 after 20 years. Then to everyone’s surprise, he started driving a school bus. The kids loved him, even though he made them behave – no shenanigans on his bus. He retired again 20 years later. It took him awhile to find his passion, but when he discovered golf, he was hooked. He played as often as he could until he was unable to walk the course. While on a training trip for fire department, he had a chance to play a round at Pebble Beach in California, after he borrowed the $15 greens fee from his buddy. He had 2 holes-in-one over the years and his collection of over 2,000 logo golf balls was a great excuse for show and tell. Darrel and Frances were members of St. John’s Lutheran Church and most recently of Peace with Christ Lutheran Church in Fort Collins. When Frances passed away in 2020, his life was turned upside down, but he was determined to make the most of it. With help from his family, he was able to live at home watching football, playing solitaire on his computer, feeding the birds and cussing the squirrels. Darrel is survived by his children Barb (Dennis) Gardner, Mark (Kristi) Watson, Kim Judith, and Gail (Bill) Cordova. He has 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. His brother-in-law Wes (Eunice) Nierman, his sister-in-law Mildred Watson and many cherished nieces and nephews also survive. Thank you to the caring staff at Poudre Valley Hospital, Center at Rock Creek, and Pathways Hospice. Darrel wanted memorial donations to go to Meals on Wheels of Fort Collins. We are forever grateful for the great meals and the wonderful volunteers who brought him lunch (and treats) with their visits.

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Darrel Burdett Watson

April 21, 1926 - January 12, 2025