Obituary: John David Watson

John David Watson of Homer, LA, passed peacefully into his heavenly home at his lake side residence surrounded by his family on June 2, 2026, after a short battle with cancer.  

John was preceded in death by his parents Jesse Edward and Kathleen Shaw Watson of Homer, LA, and his late wife of 37 years, Debra McCoskey Watson of Homer, LA. 

He is survived by his wife of six years, Nina Watson of Homer, LA, daughters Angela Watson Fussell and husband Jay and Sarah Watson Overall of Minden, LA. His brother, Jesse Edward Watson, Jr. and wife Chloe Ellen of Homer, LA, three stepchildren and their families, and several nieces and nephews. He loved being “Papa” to his beloved granddaughters, Vivienne and Madeline Fussell and Caroline Overall all of Minden, LA.

John David was born April 19, 1955 in Homer, Louisiana. He graduated from Claiborne Academy in 1973 and attended Louisiana Tech University. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Forestry with a minor in Business in 1977.  He spent most of his career working alongside his brother in the manufacturing industry at Beacon Plastics for over 27 years. He loved being outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing but his biggest love was serving the Lord and spreading the word of Jesus Christ by sharing Bibles to anyone who would take one. He served both his local and state camps of The Gideons International, serving as Treasurer for both.  He was also a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Homer, LA, serving as Chairman of Deacons and teaching Sunday School for over 40 years. John served his community through The Homer Lions Club, as a member for 21 years and serving on the Board of Directors. John rarely met a stranger and usually had something funny to say.

Services to honor John David Watson will be held at First Baptist Church, 406 West Main Street, Homer, LA, on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 10:00 a. m. with Rev. Brian Thurman officiating.  Interment will follow at Forest Grove Cemetery near Homer in the Arizona Community. Visitation for family and friends will be at First Baptist Church from 9-10 a. m., prior to the service.  

The family would like to thank his entire medical team including: The Homer Medical Clinic, Willis Knighton Pierremont, Willis Knighton Cancer Center and Dr. Tyler Lash, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Dr. David Rice, Pafford Air and EMS, and Allegiance Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of Homer, LA, or The Gideons International.