Dr. Edward M. Watson DDS, MS.

age 82, of New Martinsville, WV, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the home of his son in Spencer, WV.

He was born January 4, 1941, in Pine Grove, WV, the son of the late Harry Milburn and Mildred Isabelle Ellks Watson.

Ed attended Pine Grove High School, West Virginia Wesleyan College, and the WVU School of Dentistry where he specialized in Orthodontics. He then briefly taught at the Dental School and practiced orthodontics in New Martinsville for 35 years.

He was a U. S. Air Force Vietnam Veteran. He served as a member and president of the Wetzel County Board of Education, as a member and president of the Wetzel County Hospital Board of Directors, and as Vice-President of the Magnolia High School Athletic Boosters. He was a founding member of the Lewis Wetzel Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. He was active in 4-H where he achieved the highest honor of 4-H All Star, served as a club leader, and traveled to Israel as an International Exchange student.

Ed loved to hunt and fish. In particular, he was an avid turkey hunter, as well as squirrel and grouse. Not only did he successfully harvest 237 wild turkeys, he completed the turkey hunting “grand slam” three times. He also enjoyed sharing his passion for hunting and is responsible for all four of his childrenás, and many other friendsá, first turkeys. While his family and friends mourn his death, we are confident that the wild turkeys of WV are taking a celebratory sigh of relief.

Most importantly, Ed loved Jesus and put his eternal faith in Him. He loved to lead his family in prayer and saying grace (always while holding hands). He was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and was a living example of the Golden Rule.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 sisters.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joyce Watson; his daughter, Emily (Mark) Werle of Harmony, PA; three sons, Brent (Cami) Watson of Spencer, WV, David (Jodi) Watson of Morgantown, WV, and Josh (Ali) Watson of Columbus, OH; 13 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends on Friday, March 10, 2023, from 5-8 pm and Saturday from 11 am until a service celebrating his life and faith at 12:00 pm at the Grisell Funeral Home & Crematory, 751 Third St., New Martinsville, WV, with Rev. Dennis Bills officiating.

Private graveside services will be held with military honors in Northview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 307 McEldowny Ave, New Martinsville WV, 26155, or to the Lewis Wetzel chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation Scholarship Fund c/o Terry Heinzman 110 Church St. Paden City, WV 26159.

Sympathy expressions and comments can be made at grisellfuneralhomes.com