John Thomas Watson

John Thomas "Tom" Watson, aged 80, of Henryville, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Born on March 31, 1946, in East Bernstadt, Kentucky, Tom lived a life marked by service, dedication, and gentle strength. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Tom built a longstanding and respected career in construction as a homebuilder.

Tom was a man of quiet demeanor, soft spoken, and expressed much with few words, never raising his voice but always kind. Among his simple pleasures were watching classic western movies and episodes of Star Trek. Additionally, he enjoyed wrestling and found comfort in sipping cold coffee, small routines that matched his personality.

He came from a family rooted in Kentucky, born to Erville Watson and Rebecca (Grambril) Hawkins. Over the years, he experienced the losses of his wife, Darlene (Cawthorn) Watson; his siblings David Watson, Mary Rose Watson, and Vivian Arbuckle; his step-son Joseph Lucas; and his son-in-law Raleigh Blackburn.

Tom leaves behind his devoted daughter, Joanie Watson-Johnson, and her husband, Thomas. He also cherished his grandchildren: Emileigh, Kaitlyn, and Taylor Blackburn; Madalyn and Kathryn Johnson; Sherry Satterly-Hoover and Darrell Satterly; his great-grandchildren, Wrenleigh and Blakeleigh England; Oakleigh Blackburn; and Brittany Goodlett; and great-great-grandchildren, Carlee, Coty and Caraline.

In keeping with his wishes, Tom was cremated under the care of Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions in New Albany.