Martin E. Watson     “loving and beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather”

MILLPORT, PA — Martin E. “Marty” Watson, 90 years young, of Sanford, NC, a former longtime resident of Millport, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, in his home with his loving family by his side, after a brief illness.

Born on Monday, February 19, 1934 in at home in Sabinsville, PA, he was the son of Albert Reed Watson and Olive May Kent Watson.  He attended school in Genesee, PA and married his sweetheart of 70 years, Marlene A. Cook, on June 27, 1954, who survives. They lived the majority of their life and marriage in Millport, PA.

Marty worked as a machinist in Wellsville, NY at Dresser-Rand Group for 28 years, retiring in 1996. Marty was a proud member of the International Association of Machinists for over 50 years. He worked at the Downer’s Hardware Store in Genesee, PA, Stroehmann’s Bakery in Olean, NY, Clark Brothers in Olean, NY, and the former Henningh’s Trailer Sales in Shinglehouse, PA. He loved to collect antiques, square dance, travel, family reunions, snowmobiling, and camping. Marty loved playing cards, horse shoes, golf, corn hole, bowling, and watching his beloved football team the Buffalo Bills.

In addition to his loving wife, Marlene, Marty is survived by their canine companion Mollie of 14 years; their five children: Cynthia (Gary) Major of Rome GA, Martin (Carol) Watson II of Dawsonville GA, Kenneth (Janice) Watson of Millport PA, Kevin (Charlotte) Watson of Sanford NC, and Cassandra (Gregg) Morey of Coudersport PA; 17 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

In addition to his parents, Marty was predeceased by seven siblings, Leona, Leatha “Lisa”, Albert “Babe”, Edward “Ed”, Katherine “Kay”, Katheline “Marion”, and Marie.

Family and friends may call from 10am to 12 noon on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, PA, where funeral services will follow at 12 noon with Alan Mertsock, pastor of Myrtle Gospel Tabernacle, Shinglehouse, officiating.  Burial will be in Rathbone Cemetery, Coneville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marty’s name may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915; to the Oswayo Valley Senior Center, PO Box 671, Shinglehouse, PA 16748; or the Coudersport Senior Center, 165 Rte. 6 West, Coudersport, PA 16915.

Marty entrusted his care to Kevin Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Marty, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

We, the Watson family, are extremely gifted that we had Martin E. Watson at 90 years old, unfortunately it doesn’t make his passing any easier. Our dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and husband has made a huge impact on our lives and many other friends, family and acquaintances.