May 25, 1949 – June 7, 2025
Mark Douglas Watson, 76, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, humor, and love.
Born on May 25, 1949, Mark was a lifelong resident of Harrodsburg, Indiana. He attended Harrodsburg grade school and Smithville High School, graduating in 1967. Mark earned his teaching degree from Anderson College and his Master’s degree from Indiana University. He married Gail House on August 8, 1970, and she survives.
He devoted more than three decades to teaching physical education with the Monroe County School Corporation, primarily at Batchelor Middle School. He inspired countless young athletes as a coach of basketball, baseball, and track, sharing his love for sports and teamwork.
A pillar of the Harrodsburg community, Mark served as President of the Clover Hill Cemetery Board for 53 years. He also inherited the role of cemetery caretaker from his father, a position he approached with great pride and care. In 2023, his community honored him as Grand Marshal of the Harrodsburg Heritage Days, recognizing his lifelong commitment to his hometown.
Mark loved the outdoors — annual fishing trips to Canada were a treasured activity, as was any day he could spend fishing off his pontoon boat on the lake of his Florida home in Leesburg. Mark was passionate about hunting ginseng and yellowroot and believed in the importance of a well-mown lawn.
He lived by the motto, “The early bird gets the worm,” and felt that the first diet Dr. Pepper of the day was always the best. Known affectionately as “Honest Mark,” he delighted family and friends with his playful humor and imaginative stories filled with little white lies.
Family was central to his life, and he especially adored his three grandsons: Seth, Colton, and Cason. He looked forward to Seth’s spontaneous visits and enjoyed watching Colton’s golf tournaments and Cason’s baseball games.
Mark is survived by his wife, Gail; son Luke and wife Chantay; grandsons Seth Mosier (Rylie), Colton Watson, and Cason Watson; sister Kim Crider and husband John; brother Rick Watson and wife Kate; sister-in-law Deb Watson; mother-in-law, Cleda House; a sister-in-law, Jamie Gerhart and husband, Allan, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his Florida family of friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Jessica Watson, a brother, John Watson, his parents, Harold Eugene (Gene) and Lois (McGlothlin) Watson, and his father-in-law, James House.
Mark’s warmth, humor, and dedication to family leave a lasting legacy. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13th, in the Elmwood Chapel of Day & Carter Mortuary, with Brent Cramer officiating. Burial will follow in Clover Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the hour of service on Friday at the Day & Carter Mortuary.
In memory of Mark, donations may be made to Clover Hill Cemetery.
Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.
