September 23, 1929 ~ July 6, 2022 (age 92)
Obituary
Dr. David H. Watson, 92, beloved Pastor Emeritus at Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family. Born in Ipswich, England, David grew up in nearby Bury St. Edmunds. While studying at Kings College Durham, he met Barbara Watson whom he married in 1953. They emigrated to the United States with their first born daughter of eleven months (Judith) in 1955 and settled in the Northside of Pittsburgh. David began his career in the US working for the Mosler Safe Company. The family became involved with the Ohio Street Simpson Methodist Church whose members welcomed them with open arms, becoming lifelong friends and surrogate family. It was through this experience that David was called to the ministry. While taking preparatory seminary courses at the University of Pittsburgh, David served the Coal Center Methodist Church. While attending Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC from 1964 to 1968, he served a four-church circuit in Mt. Morris, PA. He graduated with high honors and was appointed to Christ Church, North Huntingdon, where he served for ten years and simultaneously completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He was then appointed Associate Pastor at Mt. Lebanon UMC in 1979 where he happily served for the remainder of his career. David was an incredible preacher whose sermons were known for their simple eloquence and powerful messages of faith and love. He often incorporated his great love of poetry into his services and continually amazed family and friends with his uncanny ability to spontaneously recite the perfect verse. His true impact is evident in the countless lives he touched throughout his sixty-year ministry. He conducted nearly 1700 weddings, baptisms and funerals and could often be seen at the Asbury Heights and other area retirement communities and area hospitals, ministering to those in need. Through these, and countless home visitations and counseling sessions with those needing help facing life’s challenges, David’s impact was immeasurable. David is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara; their children, Judith, Paul (Kathy), Margaret and Michael; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. David’s family, friends, parishioners and all who had the good fortune to know him will miss his ever-present smile, warmth and compassion. Funeral arrangements are being made by Laughlin’s Funeral Home in Mt. Lebanon. The family requests no flowers, please. If desired, donations may be made to the Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church or Commonwealth Hospice.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, August 20 at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church, 3319 West Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Choose the link below to view a recording of the service.