Terry Dean Watson

Terry Dean Watson,  71, of Hunter Run, Howard, passed from this life on May 6, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. 

Born March 16, 1952, in Bellefonte, he was the son of William Harris Watson, deceased, and Shirley Ardrean Swarmer Watson, of Bush Hollow, Julian. 

Terry was a 1970 graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School and the Centre County Vo-Tech Program.   He was employed by Sutton Engineering, Ron’s Machine Shop of Burnham, and he worked at Cerro Metal Products for over thirty-five years until he became disabled in 2005. 

On May 19, 1984, he married Dora Lea Day Watson, and together they raised three sons, Gregory Allen (Kelli) Watson of Wexford, PA;  John David Watson of Bellefonte;  and Matthew Earl (Michelle) Lininger of Howard, who all survive.  In addition, twelve grandchildren survive – Amanda, Emily, Rachel, Lauren, Josh, William, Benjamin, Dayanaira and Melody Watson;  Skylar, Allison, and Jesse Lininger. 

Terry was an active member of the Howard Lions Club since 1986 in which he served as treasurer, tail-twister and lion tamer;  the Pleasant Valley Campground since 1984;  and Faith Chapel United Methodist Church since 1985, where he served on many committees and as liturgist. 

He greatly enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and doing yard work.  A favorite pastime was watching NASCAR and sprint car racing, Pirate and Phillies baseball games, and Penn State and Buffalo Bills football games.  He especially enjoyed any activity done with his family. 

In addition to his wife, sons, and grandchildren, he is survived by two brothers, Dennis Eugene (Gema) Watson of the Philippines, and Barry Lee (Connie) Watson of Centre Hall;  two sisters, Kathy Rose (James) Salvanish of Julian, and Sandra Jean (Kevin) Geissinger of Manheim;  a friend of his son John, Amanda Emel and her children Xavier and Dexter Todd;  and a large extended family. 

In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation in Terry’s memory to the Howard Area Lions Club, c/o Dwayne Haines of Blanchard, or to Faith Chapel United Methodist Church of Howard. The family would also like to thank UPMC Altoona Hospice for their extraordinary care and kindness they have shown during this time. 

Friends and family will be received for a time of gathering on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 6-8pm at the Faith Chapel United Methodist Church of Howard. Funeral services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

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