Daryl Asa Watson, 79, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Saturday (July 28, 2012) at his home under Hospice care.

The son of Hollice Ralph and Opal Maude (James) Watson, he was born October 13, 1932 in Kirksville, Missouri. In 1953, Daryl was united in marriage to Nancy Thompson and to this union, four children were born. On November 17, 1972 in Kirksville, Missouri, Daryl married Mary Ellen Matthew.

Daryl is survived by his wife Mary Ellen of the home; one son and daughter-in-law, Daryl Randy and Debbie Watson of Kirksville, MO; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Cindy Schnirch Watson of Jefferson City, MO, Susie Watson and Jack Randolph of Jefferson City, MO and Connie and Joe Adcock of Hannibal, MO; one sister, Wynn Goold of Rocklin, CA; his father-in-law, Wayne Smith of Kirksville, MO; and three sisters-in-law, Shirley Watson of Saint Francis, KS, Ruth Watson of Yuma, AZ and Penny LaCore and friend, Jerry Shahan of Kirksville, MO. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Angie (Kyle) Green, Candy (John II) Golian, Ryan Adcock and fiancée Kristen Blackburn, Michele Watson, Chris Norman, Brandon Watson, Mindy Ann Schnirch and significant other, Todd Asbury, Michael “Scott” Schnirch and fiancée Colissa Parrish, as well as thirteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Loren and Oliver “Jim” Watson and two sisters, Eileen Shoemaker and Maureen Darr.

Daryl moved to Denver, Colorado at the age of seven and received his education in the State of Colorado. In 1953, Daryl returned to Kirksville and was employed for Sevits Construction, for Giovanni Construction and last for himself (Daryl A. Watson Construction) as well as farming until his retirement in 1982.

Daryl loved feeding and watching birds, turkey’s and deer and enjoyed elk hunting. He was an avid reader of western novels, especially Louis LaMour.

He was a past member of the El Kadir Shrine and Masonic lodges of Kirksville.

Public visitation will be held Tuesday, (July 31, 2012) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday (August 1, 2012) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

Private graveside service will he held at Highland Park Cemetery in Kirksville.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Daryl Watson may be made to Hospice of Northeast Missouri, or a tree for wildlife may be planted in his memory. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.